RENFREW COUNTY (Eganville) — Thanks to a wildly changing local political landscape,
voters in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke finally have a real chance to
unseat Cheryl Gallant as their MP, says the NDP’s Eileen Jones-Whyte.
With a divided vote on the political Right in the riding and the
surging popularity of NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, she says it’s an
opportunity to “replace someone who has shown disrespect for voters
and fuelled fear and division.”
“As Jagmeet says, ‘Fear has never changed a thing. But hope has.’ As
an active volunteer in the community and a teacher of over 25 years,
I have seen the struggles of families trying to get by on so little.
I have also seen how supporting people can lift them up and help them
fulfill their potential.
“Investments in people help individuals and create a richer and more
caring society.
She says the NDP reflects the Ottawa Valley way of life. “We do not
stand by and watch others struggle. We look after each other.”
The NDP, she says, will deliver on six important promises, whether
“we form government or the balance of power.”
First is a national universal pharmacare plan and a national dental
care plan. “Families should not have to choose between medication and
food,” she says.
Ensuring the super-wealthy pay their fair share by introducing a
super wealth tax, closing tax loopholes, and ending giveaways to the
richest companies is a high priority. “This will enable us to take
bold and concrete action to fight the climate crisis,” she says.
“It’s the biggest, most urgent challenge of our time.”
Ms. Jones-Whyte is passionate about the need to make housing
affordable again. “Cheryl Gallant says housing is not a problem in
our riding,” she says. “Tell that to the young families trying find a
home on a minimum wage or a senior on a pension.”
Similarly, she and the NDP want to give more people the chance for
better work opportunities by reducing student debt. “Student debt is
forcing students I know to leave school. We know the consequences of that.”
Finally, the NDP has pledged to bring down the cost of cellular and
internet access. “Service in rural and isolated areas like ours is
too expensive,” she says. “The NDP will ensure people here pay a fair price.”
