Page 13 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 107

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Notes from Our Federal and Provincial Representatives
Stormont-Dundas-South
Glengarry MP
Interview
with
MP Eric Duncan
P arliament is back and there’s lots of issues to tackle.
This week marked the return of Members of Parliament to
the House of Commons. It has been 62 days since the September
20th election, the longest delay recalling Parliament to work after
an election in modern Canadian history.
There is no shortage of important issues to tackle in Ottawa. We
need our Members of Parliament in the House, asking questions,
holding the government to account, and making sure decisions
are properly scrutinized. Finishing the battle against COVID, our
global climate-change commitments (as many key emitters refuse
to play their part), modernizing our ethics and conflict of interest
laws, improving our strained Canada-US relationship - these are
just a few examples of meaningful challenges that Parliament
must address. On top of all those issues, there is one key issue that
I heard repeatedly during the election, and even more so recently:
the rising inflation and cost of living crisis that shows no signs of
getting better.
This month, Statistics Canada confirmed that inflation is at an
18-year high, at 4.7%. Residents have been feeling it for months:
gas prices are up 41.7% since last year, home prices are up 18.2%
in this same period, and meat prices up 9.9%. The list goes on
and on. Life is getting more and more unaffordable under Justin
Trudeau’s Liberals.
The delay in starting the new term of Parliament is certainly
frustrating. Canadians were told by the Prime Minister that the
$600 million federal election was necessary and urgent. Yet, it is
only this week that we are back debating ideas and solutions to the
many challenges our country faces.
There will be clear contrasts made in the coming weeks about
how we can best address them. I am honoured to be the voice
for the residents of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. The key
principle I have is simple: we need to get more paycheques for
Canadians and end the cycle of continuous debt. We must also put
a stop to printing endless money which has caused this painful
inflation.
I’m ready to get to back into Parliament. There’s lot of work to
do.
1916 Pitt Street N., Unit 1A (Heritage Business Centre)
CORNWALL • 613-933-1200
Registered Massage Therapist Sheryl Calvank-Rodriguez, RMT
Issue #107 December 2021 13
Stormont-Dundas-South
Glengarry MPP
Interview
with
MPP Jim MacDonell
Wadministering the vaccine to children born in 2016 and earlier. This
e are now entering the next phase of our vaccination program by
past week alone, Ontario has received more than one million doses, which are
being distributed to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, pharmacies, and primary
care settings. In addition, a third dose is also available for those over 70,
with at least six months since having received their second dose. Vaccination
locations and information can be found at www.EOHU.ca or by calling 1-800-
267-7120. In addition, I will be joining Dr. Paul Roumeliotis and MP Eric
Duncan on Monday night to host a virtual information forum for parents and
guardians on the vaccination of children between the ages of 5-11 years old.
Please check www.EOHU.ca for call-in details.
Due to a slight surge in provincial cases, the government took the necessary
decision to pause further lifting of capacity limits in non-essential indoor
settings. For the latest reopening information, visit https://www.ontario.ca/
page/reopening-ontario. The new proof of vaccination certificate and official
QR code make it easier for the vaccinated to enjoy these premises and for
businesses to serve you. You can download it
at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/, by calling 1-833-943-3900, or by
visiting a Service Ontario centre, a public library, or my local office.
Although the pandemic has challenged the government’s agenda, we are
well on our way to making good on important promises that will address
critical health, infrastructure, and quality of life issues. Finance Minister
Peter Bethlenfalvy’s Fall Economic Statement points the province in the right
direction. It highlights a reduced deficit, boosts the economy and creates jobs
without raising taxes or cutting programs and services. The Eastern Region
is benefitting with more long-term-care beds, higher-speed broadband, more
cellular coverage, upgraded 400- series highways, and agri-food sector
supports, to name a few.
After years of Ontario families paying the country’s highest childcare costs
under the previous Liberal government, the Ontario government is negotiating
to get the best possible agreement to secure the federal government’s promise
of $10 a day childcare. Before this offer, Ottawa’s share only accounted for
2.5 percent of childcare costs. Meanwhile, the province has supported the
creation of 30,000 new childcare spaces and increased affordability with the
$1,500-per- child Child Care Tax Credit. Unlike other provinces, parents in
Ontario benefit from our full-day
kindergarten, which costs $3.6 billion. During the recent federal election,
the Prime Minister promised $10 a day childcare, and we believe that it should
include Ontario. As a result, Premier Ford is only asking for the same level of
funding granted to Quebec.
On Tuesday, November 23, I announced that I will be retiring as your
Member of Provincial Parliament for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry on
June 2, 2022. As your local MPP, I have truly enjoyed serving our community
since 2011. I have been blessed with the support of my wonderful family,
especially my wife Margie, and a team of local supporters and volunteers.
Our Queen’s Park team has been able to accomplish so much locally and
across Ontario under the leadership of Doug Ford. They have taken on many
challenging tasks, including the current pandemic, but there is more to do
to secure Ontario’s full potential. I am grateful to the residents of Stormont-
Dundas-South Glengarry, who have shown their confidence in me. Now the
time has come to pass the torch and enjoy the next chapter of my life closer
to home. I can assure you; however, I will remain determined in making our
region of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry the best place to live, work, and
raise a family.
As always, stay safe and get vaccinated if you have not done so. Regards,