In recent years, the price of electricity has increased substantially. Monthly bills that once were affordable have risen to the point that many people are struggling to make ends meet. This has led many to enter into contracts with energy retailers, who promise savings and protection from high prices. Unfortunately, […]
Sarah Campbell – From Queens Park
For years, many have raised concern about the ability of businesses, unions, and other entities to use their financial power to influence decisions. In recent years, many governments have taken steps to reduce that influence—banning donations from businesses and unions in hopes of levelling the playing field. Ontario is not […]
Having been recessed since mid-June, there is no shortage of issues to be raised when the fall session at Queen’s Park begins this Monday (Sept. 9). While nobody can predict exactly what will happen over the next few months, we do have some pretty strong indications. For that reason, I’d […]
For years, the cost of auto insurance has been a source of frustration for many people across the northwest. Despite legislative changes in 2010 that reduced costs for auto insurance companies, premiums have continued to rise—even for those with clean driving records. Here in the northwest, these increases have been […]
This past week, many Ministry of Natural Resources’ employees across the northwest received layoff notices as a result of the department’s long-term restructuring plan. While the impact for individual communities varies depending on the source of information (with the union representing the employees providing one set of figures that show […]
Since the legislature rose in June and MPPs were sent back to our ridings, I have been focussed on meeting with people in communities across the riding. Whether on the doorstep, at trade shows or at other events, speaking with you is not only the most important part of my […]
On Aug. 1, byelections were held in five ridings in southern Ontario as a result of the resignation of four former Liberal cabinet ministers and former premier Dalton McGuinty. When byelections are held, they generally are considered a gauge of the government’s performance, and an opportunity for communities and regions […]
In recent weeks, there’s been a great deal of discussion about the potential closure of the Treaty #3 Police Service. Both the provincial and federal governments have called the situation a “labour dispute,” and refused to get involved. This despite the fact that both levels of government are responsible for […]
This past week, our province’s Ombudsman released his annual report. Established in 1975, the Ombudsman is an independent officer of the legislature whose job is to investigate complaints against government services. Dealing with more than 18,000 complaints a year, our current Ombudsman, Andre Marin, is one of the most respected […]
A birth certificate is one of the most important personal documents you will ever possess. While it often is overlooked, your birth certificate not only is your record of birth, stating your name, birth date, birth location, and other essential information that is used to verify your identity, but it […]
In the spring of 2011 a Toronto Star investigation uncovered the Ontario Government’s past use of Agent Orange—a herbicide associated with potential long-term health problems. The news was particularly troubling for northerners, many of whom were involved in spraying programs with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Ministry of Natural Resources […]
This past week, I had the opportunity to interview students from across the region for a summer position in my constituency offices. Having posted the position in late June, and not having previous opportunities to hire students, I was not sure of the quantity or level of interest of the […]
