Simpson: More doctors, more housing, better transit in Ottawa Centre

The Citizen invited Ottawa candidates from the four major provincial parties to contribute op-eds on why you should vote for them. Those who met our deadlines and protocols will be published all this week and next. Today: Ottawa Centre Liberal candidate Thomas Simpson.

Politics shouldn’t be about self-interest or self-preservation. It should be about service, solving problems and delivering real results. I’m running in this election because Ottawa Centre deserves renewed leadership that is ready to get things done. We need real action, not opposition; solutions, not protest.

Article content

I’ve spent my career putting our community first — whether successfully influencing disability rights laws such as the Accessible Canada Act; helping people who are blind become employed; or leading Lupus Canada as board chair. I know the challenges we face, but more importantly, I know how to get things done, and have the renewed energy to bring to Queen’s Park.

We are no better now, than we were seven years ago. About 27,500 people in Ottawa Centre are without a family doctor. That must change. Ontario Liberals have a bold plan to ensure you get a doctor, end penalties for using walk-in clinics, and cut wait times at The Ottawa Hospital.

Education is another top priority. Every child deserves access to quality learning, which means fixing crumbling schools and investing in French immersion so families who want bilingual education can access it. Our children deserve better, and I’ll fight to make it happen.

But a strong future for our kids also depends on stable, affordable housing. Right now, families, young professionals and seniors are struggling to find homes they can afford. That’s why I’m proposing a provincial Housing Acquisition Fund to help non-profits, co-ops and Indigenous-led organizations purchase housing and keep it affordable. This is in addition to removing hidden taxes and fees, eliminating HST on home heating and hydro, and protecting renters facing tough times.

Article content

As I’ve connected with neighbours, one thing is clear: our public transit needs fixing and new solutions. I’ve championed uploading the LRT to the province while ensuring it is operated by the local union, an official commitment in our platform. Ontario Liberals are ready to improve public transit, expand the system, connect terminus stops to Eastern Ontario, and make it safer. We can have a transit system that we are proud of, that reduces traffic, lowers emissions and strengthens our economy.

We must also support our most vulnerable. The toxic drug crisis is devastating families and communities. We need to expand crisis response, invest in comprehensive care, and work with law enforcement to improve public safety.

From fixing our schools to building housing and improving transit, Ottawa needs leadership that takes action — not just talks about obstacles.

Ottawa Centre deserves better health care, better education, and a better economy. It’s time for a new generation of leadership — people like myself — who bring fresh ideas and make our priorities the province’s priorities. That’s why I’m stepping up: to bring new leadership and real action to Ottawa Centre.

On election day, I ask for your support so we can build a better Ottawa Centre, together.

Thomas Simpson is the Ontario Liberal candidate for Ottawa Centre.

Article content