Even though Canada is one of the top egalitarian societies with respect to women in the world, still women remain more vulnerable, and with them the children they care for. The issues I present don’t have to be “women’s issues”, but the policies of the current PC government effect the vulnerable the most: women and children.

One of the cuts specifically directed at women’s health is the retroactive cut to the college of midwives, which can be seen only as either vindictive, or a gross oversite on the issue of women’s health. Midwives provide excellent care to women at a cost far cheaper to our healthcare system, then a doctor or specialist ob-gyn. We still need doctors and specialists, but most women can receive the care they need with a midwife, which also reduces the strain on our health care system.

Ford promises to “cut red-tape” for business, but in so doing, undermines the health of our citizens. The current Bill 66 is set to roll-back regulations on clean water and the environment. We can all remember what happened in Walkerton, yet being “open for business” is now a priority over the health of our citizens. Children and the elderly are most susceptible to contaminants due to reduced immune systems. This isn’t a “woman’s issue” but as women are still the predominant caregivers in society, I think we understand this best. It’s certainly lost on our current premier.

Five years ago, the rules around unlicensed daycares were increased after the death of several children. Ford’s Bill C66 aims to reduce those rules, again putting our most vulnerable citizens at risk. Coupled with this decision is Ford’s removal and closure of the Children’s Advocate in Ontario. This person represented truly our most vulnerable: children in foster care, children without a voice.

Those in support of these changes will point to our deficit and say, We need to reduce spending. As an accountant, I understand the need for a balanced budget. However, it was on the basis of the revenue reductions brought in by Ford, that caused Moody’s to downgrade Ontario’s credit-rating, which then increases the amount of interest Ontario now has to pay. These cuts are minor compared to Ford’s revenue reduction.

From my point-of-view, many of these measure do not appear to be well-thought out, or deliver the necessary fiscal balance required in the province, but appear to be a “slash and burn” mentality with no thought to the outcomes to the health of Ontario citizens. These are not necessarily “women’s issues”, but women will feel the brunt of them. For these reasons, I will be participating at the Women’s March in Owen Sound on Saturday. It’s not only women who care about our citizens, but some days it feels like that. Under this progressive conservative government, we need to stand together and stand up for our most vulnerable citizens. “Open for Business” shouldn’t come at the cost of our citizens.

Diane Ferguson
Chatsworth