This week marked another constituency week where I had the opportunity to tour many communities in the riding and host clinics to assist constituents. I always enjoy coming home and reconnecting with people and hearing your concerns.
People across Algoma-Manitoulin continue to raise concerns over the sale of Hydro One. Families are nervous to turn on their heat. As the temperature goes down, our bills are going up.
People are also concerned over the lack of affordable housing across the north. Life is becoming more expensive, food, bills, insurance and gas prices are all on the rise. However it’s even more difficult for people living on fixed incomes and pensions to get by. Issues around affordability continue to dominate discussions.
As northerners we often have to travel greater distances to access many government services and healthcare. It seems as though Northern Ontario is always on the Liberal chopping block when it comes to cuts to health care. We often have to travel as far as Toronto to access specialized healthcare.
Another important day this week was Remembrance Day. I had the opportunity to stop into a few school classrooms, chat with students and attend a Remembrance Day celebration at the Royal Canadian Legion Brach 429 in Wawa.
Many brave Canadians have left their loved ones behind to fight for freedom, democracy and peace – for fundamental Canadian values.
The liberties we enjoy as Canadians today were preserved by the bravery of Canadians soldiers overseas. Many of whom lost their lives. Their legacy endures as we pay tribute to our men and women in uniform serving in Afghanistan, Haiti, Libya, Sudan, and elsewhere around the world and here at home.
I am very humbled by the incredible service of members of the Royal Canadian Legion and a proud member of Branch 561.
I also want to take this opportunity to highlight Mr. Albert Nichols who received his 70 year service pin. He is a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429. Thank you for your years of service.
As always, please feel free to contact my office about this issue, or any other provincial matters. You can reach my constituency office by email at mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca or by phone at 705-461-9710/1-800-831-1899.
