Lanark-Carleton is a provincial and federal political riding stretching from the Perth-Smith Falls region to the city of Kanata, just outside Ottawa.
The rural part is home to many retirees and farmers as well as businesses such as 3M and Hershey. This is also "cottage country". Kanata is in a region often referred to as Canada's Silicon Valley. High tech firms range from giant multinationals to family owned. Many experience boom and bust cycles within their international markets.
Children, seniors, the unemployed, and the poor are being shut out. Our social services, which demonstrate the humanity of Ontario, are being dismantled one by one. Labour legislation now reflects a much earlier time. This government has legislated itself almost total power in education. Hospital changes have been out of control. This government is extreme.
Too often ordinary people have felt helpless in dealing with local issues such as housing, discrimination, the environment and employment practices. We have wise people, good people, who need and deserve empowerment.
We intend to hold this government accountable for ripping apart our social fabric. One of our goals is to stop and reverse the destructive impact. Another goal is to face our recurring individual problems with the strength of solidarity.
We now face some serious problems. Groups and individuals must get to know each other, seek out each person's strength's and build trust. In our riding, we must bridge rural-urban differences while recognizing our common needs. Our coalition intends to interact with other coalitions such as the Ontario Coalition For Social Justice and the Canadian Health Coalition. The Lanark & District Labour Council and the Ottawa & District Labour Council will be encouraged to be part of our activities.