JOANNE BELANGER

Ontario New Democratic Party

Editor’s note: With the Provincial election just over a week away, the top three candidates from our region were asked five questions related to the most pressing issues on the minds of County residents. The Times reached out to the Bay of Quinte Green Party candidate, but as of press time had not received a response.

The White Pines wind project is unwanted by County government and the vast majority of residents. What will your party do about this project? What do you want your party to do about the Green Energy Act in general?

“We support the Green Energy Act, but we believe strongly in consulting with people and being collaborative and not imposing things on people. But certainly when it comes to the environment we are aware that things aren’t great and we need to have policies in place that support reducing our carbon footprint. We are looking at green energy and what to do with wind, water and solar, but you have to talk to people in the communities and not download it.”

What are your party’s economic development plans for the Bay of Quinte Region, and more specifically Prince Edward County? “We want to look at rural areas and what makes sense for rural areas. In terms of specifics here, it’s about getting affordable housing and available housing here. People who come here to work can’t find places to live so you have to address that. The NDP supports small businesses and I was at the Creative Rural Minds event a few weeks ago and was blown away by the energy and creative spirit here. The Agricultural sector is really struggling, so getting people here with the skill sets that agriculture needs like a diesel mechanic or people to work on the farms. Working with the local chamber of commerce as well will be vital.”

Like other rural communities, the County has a major problem in maintaining its infrastructure, especially roads. What would your party do to help solve this problem?

“We understand that infrastructure is a huge issue and we know that the GTA gets most of the attention and focus. Andrea Horvath is really concerned about our rural communities and that people can get around. When you have issues around public transportation any way you want to solve those kinds of things for smaller communities, but part of that is making sure the roads are looked after and that money is invested in getting those projects moving forward.”

Will your party see that there is a new hospital built in Prince Edward County? The County is home to an aging population. What are your party’s plans for Long Term Care?

“Health care is a major stake in our platform so I see no reason why the hospital wouldn’t get built. Andrea talks about the rural areas and that’s what I like about our party is that we are trying to take a really balanced approach that no community or group of people gets left behind. Senior care is also an issue and we are looking to significantly increase the number of long-term care beds in the region so that families can know that their loved one is well looked after and not on waiting lists for ever and ever.”

How will your party help battle the affordable housing issue, and more importantly food insecurity and poverty in the Bay of Quinte Region?
“A recent study in the region suggests that there are many that struggle with poverty. We need to make sure that people on fixed incomes are getting what they need to be able to pay their bills. We need to reduce Hydro bills making sure that people aren’t having to make choices like paying Hydro or putting food on the table.

Supporting our community so that people can have access to good jobs, and a stable income. We are going to continue on and raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour to make sure that people aren’t struggling to cover all the bases.”

CLOSING STATEMENT
“We have a fully costed platform. It’s an extensive platform with 38 different issues that are being addressed throughout the province. It was put out two weeks before the writ was dropped so we are in good shape. What I love about Andrea is that we will work with people. We are not going to download on people and say you have you have to get to the back of the line. We want to work with people and make change better. I have every confidence in my leader and I don’t think the other two folks can say that.”