Federal Election 2008 – Peel Speaks Out
What We Told Them
Peel Citizens Need More Federal Support
Here’s why:
- Peel Region’s ability to adequately address its community’s needs is being seriously threatened. The complexity of services required by 1.2 million people is compounded by the need to address continuing rapid growth and aging infrastructure.
- New immigrants to Canada who settle in Peel are among the fastest growing groups in Peel. They are experiencing high rates of poverty and underemployment. This has serious implications for Peel’s ability to provide affordable housing. It impacts on social assistance and public health costs, particularly during the current economic slowdown.
- Federal investments in poverty reduction will strengthen Canada’s economy and social capital. Reducing poverty leads to lower costs in all other public services for all levels of government including health and corrections.
- New immigrants who are able to fully utilize their skills will contribute to a better functioning community and a healthy economy. Current policies are inhibiting these opportunities.
- The federal government is shortchanging Peel and Ontario citizens with lower EI benefits than other Canadian workers and lower immigrant settlement funding.
NOTE: Peel’s needs and requests are consistent with those of other key stakeholders including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Here’s how:
- Support poverty reduction initiatives, particularly in housing, new immigrant supports, employment insurance benefits and early child development.
- Facilitate a more creative approach to assisted housing including funds for new housing and repairs to existing stock.
- Provide fairness to immigrants to enable them to be fully engaged in the community and contribute to the economy.
- Provide Ontarians with the same Employment Insurance benefits as other Canadians.
- Fund Ontario’s health care system on a per capita basis immediately, rather than phasing it in by 2014 -15.
- Recognize Peel as a strong partner and ideal location for new programs; Peel is a leading innovator of municipal services.
Revised: Tuesday September 23 2008
