Community News

CANDIDATE PROFILE: TOM REGINA: GREEN PARTY OF ONTARIO

NAME: Tom Regina, Green Party of Ontario candidate, Haliburton-kawartha Lakes-brock

AGE: 66 years old

RESIDENCE: Haliburton resident since 1990

OCCUPATION: Retired high school music teacher, musician

PAST POLITICAL BACKGROUND:

"Over the last couple of years, I have been involved in establishing the federal and provincial Green Party riding associations in HKLB. Just as in any job or organization where decisions are made, there is a political landscape to negotiate in the education system, as a teacher and Department Head. We are all affected by decisions and thereby politics; so, it makes sense to engage.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT'S COVID-19 RESPONSE?

"I would rate the provincial government response to Covid-19 as a 'C.' It was an average response, meaning that it followed what many other governments were doing, a reactive response. Successive governments have reduced our health care resources and capacity even as population increases and demographics shift.

Having had two years to address the problem, the political failure has been to 'kick the can down the road,' so to speak. Greens have a plan to improve mental health care delivery which has been an unforeseen increased health care issue."

IF ELECTED I WILL ...

"Continue the work being done by Green leader Mike Schreiner to do politics differently, to put people before politics and work with all stakeholders to consult, listen and come to a consensus where decisions are made. Our current 'First Past the Post' system puts governance in the hands of too few, leaving most people feeling underrepresented and their concerns unheard where decisions are made. Bill 124, effectively wage suppression legislation, affects nurses and other workers and must be repealed.

The Toronto Star calls the Green Party housing strategy a "master class in housing policy." Increase in housing units is required but must also include incentives to address affordability and security for workers and families.

The green Ontario we want must restore power to Conservation Authorities to protect our water and ecology. We must invest in business opportunities for green entrepreneurs and make Ontario a world leader in clean energy and materials.

Greens will increase health care services with a comprehensive plan providing coordinated treatment options and an emphasis on prevention, to keep us healthy."

PROVINCIAL ELECTION

en-ca

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281522229695433

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