What can York Region residents expect in a 'just recovery'?

Thestar.com
Jan. 24, 2022

We’re just a little over four months away from Ontario’s provincial election on June 2. As everyone keeps saying, the pandemic has revealed the deep gaps and inequities in our society.

It has also revealed the human costs of not investing adequately in strong public institutions, such as health care, child care, education, long-term care, paid sick leave for all workers, and the list goes on.

At times like this, when life is on the line, the impacts of cuts and disinvestment come into clear focus. These inequities aren’t new, they’ve been expanding for some time.

The best example of this: Transfer payments from the federal government, and provincial investments in health care, have been reduced over the years, leading us ever so quietly into a two-tier health-care system.

There’s plenty of blame to go around, but now is the time for solutions. Not tinkering, but bold visioning to reimagine a society that works for everyone, with the investments necessary to rebuild.

We must demand that our elected leaders at all levels pay attention to our priorities. Maybe someone else will -- it is an election year, after all.

Let’s reject the notion that things cannot be better. We have the resources to take care of each other and our communities.

Everyone deserves a good job with decent wages, paid sick days, a minimum level of income above the poverty line for those who can’t work, child care, affordable housing, accessible mental health supports, and much more.

These aren’t unrealistic expectations and don’t let anyone tell you they are. They are necessary and achievable, with political will and a vision of a healthier and inclusive society that we all want to live in.

Join us for the next Reimagining a Just Recovery Event on Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. Our expert panellists will speak to the key issues: income, child care and housing.

Your MPPs will have a chance to respond. Hosted by the Social Planning Council of York Region and York Region Food Network.

Please register on Eventbrite.