Stiles’ NDP will fight rising costs for Kitchener-Waterloo Region families

CAMBRIDGE – Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles spoke to workers, families, and supporters about choosing a better Ontario this election. She was joined by candidates from the NDP’s strong Kitcher-Waterloo region team: Jodi Szimanski (Kitchener – Conestoga), Marjorie Knight (Cambridge), Brooklin Wallis (Kitchener Centre), Jeff Donkersgoed (Kitchener South–Hespeler) and Catherine Fife (Waterloo).

“In Kitchener-Waterloo, your vote has real power. The power to elect strong New Democrat MPPs who will fight for people and reverse seven years of Doug Ford’s neglect.

Doug Ford’s record is clear: 76,000 people in Kitchener-Waterloo without a family doctor; rent is higher than ever; and your groceries and bills for the basics are more expensive than ever. Your vote for the NDP can change that.”

As Premier, with a strong Kitchener-Waterloo team, I will fight rising costs, hire doctors, fix schools and help families get ahead.”

The Ontario NDP’s platform will help fight rising costs in Kitchener-Waterloo, it includes:

• Monthly Grocery Rebate that is based on how much the cost of essential groceries like milk, bread and vegetables have increased under Ford.
• Bringing in real rent control. Rent has gone up 58 per cent under Ford.
• Funding Grand River Transit with 50% of operating costs, to make it more reliable, convenient and affordable. And finally provide two-way all-day GO service.
• More doctors and nurses: Over 76,000 people lack a family doctor in Kitchener-Waterloo. We’ll continue the new regional hospital in Kitchener-Waterloo.
• Fix schools and hire more staff. Kitchener-Waterloo needs $423 million in school repairs.

In Waterloo, Stiles toured a supportive housing complex and touted the NDP’s plan to build more housing – supportive, affordable and private market, to meet the region’s housing needs. In Kitchener South-Hespeler, she met with education workers from OSSTF to talk about improving local schools and bringing in more support for students.

Background: Ford has left Kitchener-Waterloo behind

• 76,452 people don’t have a doctor
• Rent has gone up 58% in Kitchener-Waterloo, under Ford
• 19 people treated in hallways at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, daily average
• 20 people treated in hallways at Grand River Hospital, daily average
• 16 people treated in hallways St. Mary's General Hospital, daily average
• $423 million in school repairs are needed
• 45,025 people using food banks, 40% are children