Q&A with your SDSG NDP Candidate, Jeremy Rose

During the Elections, The Seeker Team always presents each Candidate with some questions to help our readers understand their platforms. We did present each candidate with 11 questions but as this is such a short time frame for campaigning we did give the option of answering just 5 of the questions if they didn’t have time for all 11. Here are Jeremy’s answers.

Question 1 – Addressing Healthcare Shortages: Ontario’s healthcare system is under strain, with staffing shortages and ER closures affecting many communities. What steps will you take to address the shortage of healthcare professionals and reduce emergency room wait times at Cornwall Community Hospital?  

Answer – Our healthcare system is in crisis. We need the NDP, now more than ever, to invest in healthcare and get us what we need. We will hire 15000 more nurses, and 3500 more doctors. We will do this by eliminating the red tape blocking doctors who are ready to serve here from setting up in Ontario. We will strengthen our healthcare system by supporting the nurses we need by making sure they have fair wages and fair workloads so they can focus on patient care. Additionally, I will support programs that incentivize local training and recruitment, such as expanding nursing programs at St. Lawrence College. 

Question 2 – Public vs. Private Healthcare: Some Ontarians are concerned about the expansion of private healthcare services and how it may affect accessibility and equity in care. What is your position on healthcare privatization, and what measures would you take to strengthen our public healthcare system?  

Answer – I am firmly against healthcare privatization. The NDP has always stood for public, universal healthcare, and it is the core of our promise of fairness for all. We need a strong, public system in place for everyone. When we talk about reducing red tape, part of our plan includes encouraging doctors to form public care centres where they can share resources to get through all of the bureaucracy that they report to us is taking time away from seeing more patients. 

Question 3 – Affordable Housing & Rent Control: Housing affordability is a growing crisis, with both renters and first-time homebuyers struggling to find suitable options. What policies do you support to increase affordable housing and expand support for the homeless? Are you for or against rent control for rental housing properties, and can you explain why?  

Answer – Affordable housing is a basic human right. I support fast-tracking construction for affordable rental units in our region with our Homes Ontario plan, which is available in detail with our released platform. We know we need to do something urgently to help people who are homeless. We don’t need to criminalize homelessness; this needlessly overloads our jails. We will help end this crisis by building 60000 new supportive housing that will provide a refuge for the homeless, designed to be supported by the mental health and addiction services they say they need, and the security of proper home to inspire them to get back on track.

Question 4 – Food Insecurity & Rising Grocery Costs: Nearly 24% of households in Eastern  Ontario faced food insecurity in 2023, up from 16% the year before. What policies would you advocate for to address the root causes of food insecurity and support vulnerable residents?  

Answer – We must immediately address food insecurity in our community. There are many things here that an NDP government will do to help. We will offer a Grocery Rebate, a direct monthly payment to support people in need to get food on the table.  Also, our support systems like ODSP and OW have not kept up with people’s needs. We pledge to double ODSP and OW immediately.

Question 5 – Cost of Living Pressures: The rising cost of living continues to be a major concern for  Ontarians. How do you plan to help individuals and families manage everyday expenses?  Would you support measures such as reducing provincial taxes, addressing corporate pricing practices, or increasing wage supports?  

Answer – The cost of living is a burden holding Ontario back. Now’s the time to make minimum wage match the reality of people’s needs, by raising it to 20$ an hour. Second it to address the accountability of large corporations that are gouging consumers at the till. We will appoint a watchdog to make shopping for the basic necessities of life easier, by making them show when they’ve put the prices up the same way they do when they put things on sale.

Question 6 – Support for Seniors: Cornwall has a growing senior population that depends on provincial programs for healthcare, housing, and social services. How would you ensure seniors have access to the support they need to age with dignity? What steps would you take to improve the efficiency and accountability of existing services?  

Answer – Seniors deserve dignity and security. I will fight for more funding for home care services and ensure all long-term care facilities meet high staffing and care standards. I support expanding programs that help seniors stay in their homes longer, such as property tax deferrals and utility rebates. Additionally, I will push for stronger oversight to ensure existing services are efficient, accountable, and meeting seniors’ needs. 

Question 7 – Future of Public Education: Many parents and educators are concerned about class sizes, school funding, and curriculum changes in Ontario. What is your vision for the future of public education, and how do you plan to address these concerns?  

Answer – Public education should be properly funded and accessible to all. We will clear the backlog of overdue repairs to schools, hire the teachers we need and make sure they have the support in place to let them focus on teaching. Let’s ensure every child has access to the supports they need, including mental health services and special education resources, and a breakfast through our universal school food program. I also believe in working with educators to create a modern, inclusive curriculum that prepares students for the future, including more focus on trades and technology. 

Question 8 – Investing in Local Infrastructure: In November 2024, the Ontario government allocated over $10 million to infrastructure projects in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry (SDG) through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. How would you prioritize future infrastructure investments to support economic growth and job creation in our region?  

Answer – Infrastructure investments should create jobs and improve our quality of life. I will advocate for projects that support sustainable growth in SDG, such as upgrading local roads and bridges, expanding public transit options, and investing in green energy projects. I also believe we should prioritize projects that create local employment opportunities and support small businesses. 

Question 9 – Supporting Small Businesses: Small businesses continue to struggle with ongoing economic pressures, rising costs, and lower consumer spending.  How do you plan to support local businesses in adapting to these challenges and ensuring they can thrive in our region?  

Answer – Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. As it says in our platform, we will conduct a tax fairness review to assess whether the current tax structure is equitable and meets the needs of our growing province. We will shift the burden away from smaller businesses and ask larger corporations to step in and pay their share. Additionally, we will instruct the government to buy locally, directly supporting these small and businesses. For industry, we will work to streamline access to provincial programs that offer financial support for innovation and expansion. We are a large tourist destination in SD&G, so the re-introduction of the staycation credit, as part of our tariff response, will encourage more people to visit and support our local economy.

Question 10 – Addressing Climate Change Locally: Climate change is impacting communities through rising temperatures, extreme weather, and environmental degradation. What role should the provincial government play in addressing climate issues and transitioning to a greener economy while ensuring a balanced, practical approach?  

Answer – The provincial government has a crucial role to play in fighting climate change. I support investments in green energy, retrofitting public buildings for energy efficiency, and expanding public transit to reduce emissions. Additionally, I will advocate for job training programs to help workers transition to green industries, ensuring that we address climate change without leaving anyone behind. 

Question 11 – Protecting Local Waterways: The St. Lawrence River and surrounding waterways are vital to both the environment and the local economy. What policies would you implement to protect these natural resources while balancing economic development? 

Answer – The St. Lawrence River is vital to our environment and economy. I will fight for stronger regulations on industrial pollution and invest in programs that protect wetlands and shorelines. Additionally, I will support eco-tourism and sustainable fishing initiatives that create jobs while preserving our natural heritage. Economic development and environmental protection must go hand in hand.