What voters are talking about
This is my second election and there are some big differences from my first one in 2018.
I’m amazed how many people are aware of the campaign. I remember the last time that a lot of people didn’t know there was an election. This time, almost everyone at the door has a feel for what’s going on in the province.
The bigger thing, though, is how kind everyone is at the door. You could tell in 2018 that it was a change election. People were fed up with the Liberal government and the leader became the issue. This time, very few people are angry. Everyone is civil and you can have wonderful conversations with people, whether they’re supporters or not.
I’m hearing from a lot of people that they’re happy we are finally seeing action on key infrastructure projects in our community: a new elementary school and the first new high school in 30 years.
But they’re really happy that we’re on the road to getting a new hospital. People understand that it’s a process that takes time but they’re glad that the process is underway so it’s no longer a question of “if” but of “when.”
Seniors I talk to are glad to see that we’re getting 840 new and redeveloped long-term care beds and that we’re increasing the number of personal support workers so residents get much more care.
They also want to talk about the steps we’ve taken to help them age at home, such as the home renovation tax credit and the community paramedic program.
One issue that comes up is our plan to run a big budget deficit this year, about $20 billion.
But one thing I learned when I was a Brant county councillor is that there’s “good” debt and “bad” debt.
Good debt is infrastructure. It’s roads, bridges, community centres, schools, hospitals and long term care homes. Those investments pay off in the long run because people and businesses choose your community because you have those facilities. They invest in your community, build homes, create jobs and spark the local economy.
Another big investment is creating a School of Education at Laurier Brantford. That will ensure the longevity of that institution for the next generation and will have all kinds of spin-off benefits. It means students and professors will make Brantford home. It means we will have a ready supply of teachers for local schools. Voters know that will have an impact.
We’ve been working hard to make life better for the people of Brantford-Brant. Now, you can help us get it done by volunteering, donating and voting to re-elect the Progressive Conservative government on June 2.
