Dear Neighbour,
On May 13, MPPs debated an NDP motion to declare a climate emergency in Ontario. This would have made Ontario the first province to recognize climate change as an imminent threat to our environment, people and economy.
The debate highlighted the devastation of climate change, through tornadoes, floods, and forest fires, and the illness, injury and displacement they cause. It acknowledged the alarming reality of Canada's climate warming at a faster rate than the rest of the world, species-at-risk facing extinction on an unprecedented scale, and the frightening frequency of "100-year" storms. The NDP argued that the costs of inaction are too great to ignore, in both human and financial terms. After a passionate debate (see this short video of my MPP colleague Ian Arthur) the motion failed, with all PC MPPs voting against it.
Despite Doug Ford's refusal to act, this month at Queen's Park I was proud to showcase London's climate change leadership. As Londoners, we are no strangers to severe weather events. Last year, we saw the worst flooding in 40 years and this year, flooding forced the cancellation of Earth Day activities at Harris Park for the first time in 26 years. Municipalities like London need a provincial partner equally committed to fighting climate change. Instead, the Ford government's recent budget cut funding to conservation authorities for flood management programs by 50%, and cancelled the 50 million tree planting program.
Budget cuts are not only hurting London's efforts to protect our environment. Doug Ford's budget was roundly criticized in a letter signed by every big city Mayor, including Mayor Ed Holder, because of its "downloading by stealth". The budget will force cities to cut vital programs and services in public health, libraries, ambulance services, childcare, policing and more, or increase property taxes to maintain services - effectively imposing a new "Ford tax" on Ontario families.
With more bad news every day about the damage caused by the PC budget, I was pleased that my Private Member's Bill, Closing Oversight Loopholes for Home Care Clinics Act, received all-party support earlier this month. By mandating health units to conduct annual inspections of home care clinics, my bill will ensure that no Ontarian will have to worry about home care clinics putting their health at risk. It demonstrates the important role of public health units in protecting communities from infectious diseases.
As always, my sincere thanks to all those who have taken the time to call or email my office so that I can be an effective voice for London West. Please continue to keep in touch!
All the best,
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Join me for Knock Down the House!
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This documentary follows the incredible stories of four women who decide to run for office against all odds. At a moment of historic volatility in American politics, these women set themselves on a journey that changed their lives and country forever.
After the screening, stay for a panel discussion with four dynamic and brilliant London women: Dr. Kate Marie Graham, whose acclaimed project No Second Chances explores women in senior political roles, Ward 13 City Councillor Arielle Kayabaga, London’s first Black woman councillor, Shawna Lewkowitz, founder of Women & Politics, and Anne-Marie Sánchez, current Chair of Women & Politics.
For more information on the film see: https://knockdownthehouse.com/
All are welcome!
Hyland Cinema
240 Wharncliffe Rd. S.
6:30pm
The cinema can be reached by LTC route 12.
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Re-cap: Private Member's Bill
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On May 2, my Private Member’s Bill Closing Oversight Loopholes for Home Care Clinics Act, passed second reading at the Ontario Legislature. Currently, there is no government oversight or inspection of home care services that are delivered in a clinic setting. My bill would close this loophole by making the Minister of Health responsible for clinic oversight and mandating public health units to conduct annual inspections.
I am grateful to Jennifer Krische and Brenda Holland for joining me at Queen's Park for the debate on my bill. Jennifer and Brenda were among the 3001 Londoners advised last year to be tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, after they received home care services at one of Paramed's four Flex Clinics in London where instruments were being improperly sterilized over a 10-year period.
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| Thursday, May 2 press conference at Queen's Park with Londoners Jennifer Krische and Brenda Holland. |
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For more information, read the press release here, and the coverage in the London Free Press.
To support this bill, print this petition, and get friends, family, neighbours and your coworkers to sign it.
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