First-time candidate Thomas Simpson said he is hoping to turn Ottawa Centre red in the upcoming provincial election.
Simpson spent more than eight years working with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, most recently serving as its vice-president. He has also worked for the federal public service.
Simpson said he has been frustrated with the province’s leadership over the last seven years and would like to make a difference.
“I like to say I’m motivated by anger,” Simpson said. “I said, ‘enough is enough.’ I need to step up and use my skill set in non-profit and making government work to help the people of Ottawa Centre.”
The Charlatan talked with Simpson, discussing his proposals on the issues of affordable housing, health care, climate change and the economy.
Affordable housing
If elected, Simpson promises to advocate for a provincial housing acquisition fund to help non-profits, co-ops and Indigenous-led organizations purchase housing and protect renters.
The Ontario Liberal Party has pledged to restore rent control and have Landlord and Tenant Board disputes resolved within two months by appointing more adjudicators to oversee the resolution process.
The party has also said its $3.6-billion housing plan would cut some development charges to make new home construction cheaper and quicker.
Health care
Simpson said the primary campaign focus for himself and the Liberals is health care.
“Health care is the No. 1 issue that I’m hearing at the doors,” Simpson said. “We have a plan that’s ambitious and realistic to help solve our health-care crisis.”
The party has promised to find every Ontarian a family doctor within four years by spending $3.1 billion to attract and retain 3,100 family doctors.
The party also said it would cover mental health care under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, pay all nurses and personal support workers a living wage and regulate temporary nursing agencies.
Climate change and transportation
The Ontario Liberals have promised to invest in public transportation to combat climate change.
The party said it plans on assuming responsibility for Ottawa’s light rail transit system with the hope of making transportation more affordable and reliable.
The party has also promised a 20 per cent tax credit toward the installation costs of energy-efficient equipment, like heat pumps, which reduce the carbon footprint of household energy output.
Economic issues
Simpson said affordability is the biggest concern he has heard from students during the campaign.
“Life over the past few years has gotten tougher and students are definitely feeling the effects,” Simpson said.
To address affordability problems, Simpson highlighted the Ontario Liberals’ promise to remove the HST on home heating and hydro. He also pointed to his party’s promise to eliminate interest on Ontario Student Assistance Program loans and extend the amount of time needed to repay those loans.
Simpson said he is also concerned with the financial situation of Ontario’s colleges and universities.
Carleton University is projecting a $38-million deficit this fiscal year if it does not address its financial challenges, according to presentation materials shared at a Dec. 4, 2024 Board of Governors meeting.
“What we have said is that we would fund the operating costs for colleges and universities,” he said. “But I think this requires a whole new discussion around the role the provinces have to ensure that our colleges and universities can function properly.”
For more information on Simpson’s platform, visit his campaign page.
Featured image by Michael McBean.
