Don’t reward inaction
It’s official: the state of emergency in Toronto has ended. We’re returning to normal. But how does the average Ontarian do that, when the cost of living is no longer affordable?
Currently, inflation is at the highest it’s been in 30 years, with an inflation rate of 6.7 per cent in 2021. The average price of a home in Ontario has increased by 21 per cent in just one year; gas prices are up nearly 40 per cent, hitting an unheardof price at almost $2 per litre; grocery and food bills are getting more expensive. The cost of living is on the mind of all of us right now.
We have lived through unprecedented times. While we cannot entirely blame our leadership for these increases, we must hold our leaders accountable for their inaction.
The provincial election will take place on June 2. As we know, elections are like referendums; they are a direct vote by the electorate on a party’s leadership. And in this campaign, Ontarians will have a chance to vote on Doug Ford’s four-year record as premier.
Unfortunately, Ford’s government has failed to keep up with the rate of inflation and to propose sustainable, long-term plans. Four years ago, the Progressive Conservatives promised lower gas prices. What we are seeing now are BandAid solutions, like the temporary gas tax relief of 5.7 cents per litre that will only last until Dec. 31 — and only take effect if the Ford government is re-elected. Gas and fuel taxes are an important revenue source for the provincial government.
Bottom line: There is a disconnect between what average Ontarians are being paid and the cost of living — a cost that keeps increasing. Currently, the minimum wage is $15 across the province; a review of a living wage by region in Ontario shows Toronto topping the chart at $22.08, Peel Region at nearly $20, and Guelph-Wellington and Niagara at about $18 and $19 respectively.
Although every political party has spoken about an increase to the minimum wage, none have proposed a minimum wage that is close to our average living wage in Ontario — with the PCs being the furthest away at a proposed $0.50 increase. Actions speak louder than words. In 2019, Ford put a pause on a minimum-wage increase; will this actually be a priority now?
Of course, if you are lucky enough to have a well-paying job, this might not affect you too much. But should we really be forcing Ontarians to choose between necessities like medicine and food, extra care for a senior family member, and extracurriculars for their kids?
These policies echo sentiments we saw during the pandemic that caused rifts between those who have, and those who have not. A recent report from Statistics Canada found unemployment rates are still higher among visible minority groups. During the height of COVID, vulnerable populations were amongst the last to be considered for tests and resources.
Ford’s government does not focus on an equitable society, and his actions are only for “some” of the people. Gimmicks like refunding our licence plate sticker fees don’t help combat this rise in inflation that affects our vulnerable populations the hardest — populations that are more likely to be precariously employed.
With equity in mind, the Ontario Liberals have been proposing ideas that will help alleviate some costs, like the $1-fare plan for public transportation and the removal of the provincial portion of the HST from prepared foods under $20.
We shouldn’t have to be held hostage to empty promises by electing the Ontario PCs once again. We need a government that looks out for the best interest of its citizens — one that will act with innovative solutions and dismantle systemic barriers our vulnerable populations face, especially when it comes to meeting their basic living needs.
Ford’s government does not focus on an equitable society, and his actions are only for ‘some’ of the people