A new session at Queen’s Park begins Tuesday.
NDP leader Andrea Horwath has a list of nine priorities, she says will help people with the supports they need during the pandemic.
“We really believe that passing these bills and motions and acting on them will help Ontarians, not only get through the rest of COVID-19, but begin to recover as well.”
Paid sick days, enshrining the rights of essential caregivers and support for small businesses are all on the list that the NDP want dealt with immediately.
Other asks include the creation of a seniors advocate, a wage increase for Personal Support Workers and a ban on evictions during the pandemic.
Horwath says, “We want to encourage all MPP’s that are sitting in the Legislature to have a look at the things that we can do to help people. So we’re trying to be as constructive as possible.”
Liberal leader Steven Del Duca says he’ll be pushing for an improved vaccination program.
“We all saw sadly how Doug Ford and his team took Christmas holidays off with respect to the vaccine rollout. Not good enough.”
Del Duca says he’s written to the leaders of the NDP and Green Party to work together.
“I sincerely hope that all members of the legislature, regardless of their partisan stripe, can rise above the partisanship and help Ontarians get through this horrible, horrible pandemic.”
Del Duca will also be pushing for a provincial sick leave program.
“I’m convinced, and all of my conversations with various partners and stakeholders from across the spectrum including those who represent business, that it is in our collective and enlightened self-interest to get this piece right. And I think there’s an appetite for it now more than ever before.”
(With Files From Randy Thoms: Fort Frances)
