After almost a month of being surrounded by truckers and police, it seems oddly quiet. I would say that things in Centretown almost feel normal again. On the other hand, what is normal? One could easily argue that there’s no such thing as normal, and I completely agree.
Besides, normal can get boring at times. The best moments in my life typically occur when I leave my comfort zone.
So, let’s get rolling here.
Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that he was scrapping licence plate renewal fees and offering refunds to those that paid in March 2020 and onwards.
On the surface, this is great because it means more money in the pockets of those who own a vehicle.
When you look at the bigger picture, though, the good part fades away rather quickly.
First, as many of us know, Ontario has an election coming up in June. To me, it seems like a blatant attempt to get more votes.
Second, while a particular section of people saves money, other sections will suffer due to less money going towards licence renewal fees and paying out refunds.
For example, those on ODSP, and agencies that rely on provincial government funding.
I could also use PSW, how much they get paid, and all of the false promises made by Ford regarding PSW.
The list goes on and on, but sure, let’s forget about that. Let’s pretend that everything’s ok and that people with disabilities aren’t struggling with finding PSW.
While I’m at it, let’s talk about mental health and the lack of funding, along with long waitlists.
But yeah, let’s give a break to drivers, because why not?
If, by some chance, you’re reading this, Doug Ford, why do you continue to treat people with disabilities like garbage?
When the pandemic first happened, you allowed thousands of long-term care residents to die, often without family present. Seriously, how do you sleep at night?
Do you honestly believe that voters will forget all that by the time June rolls around? I sure won’t forget, and neither will the families who continue to be affected.
I hope that people with disabilities and our concerns will be a top priority during election season. I will continue to do my part to make sure our voices are heard.
But, I also need your help.
I know that there are several active members of the PWD community on social media. I see your tweets and your stories regarding ODSP, for example.
During the election season, and even now, I would like to see more discussions online regarding issues that PWD face in Ontario.
Along with social media, I would also like to see both CTV and CBC set aside time for people with disabilities during the upcoming provincial election.
During past elections, I’ve spoken out about the media ignoring people with disabilities. I have yet to receive an answer as to why it continues to happen.
People with disabilities aren’t going away. As the population grows older, the amount of PWD in towns and cities increases. Also, as a gentle reminder, anyone can become physically or mentally disabled at any given time.
That statement alone seems to be ignored and forgotten by most people.
Long story short, and I may sound like a broken record, but all levels of Government should be listening to people with disabilities. Like anyone else over the age of eighteen, we’re legally allowed to vote.
People with disabilities are also in your communities.
We’re your neighbours, friends, family members, co-workers, bosses. We’re everywhere that you can be.
At least the places that are wheelchair accessible.
Before I end this week’s edition, I just want to say that my heart goes out to those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I strongly support people in Ukraine.
