As most of you have likely already heard - Doug Ford has called a snap election. I wanted to share some info with you so that you know when and where to vote.
Advanced polls will be open for February 20, 21 and 22 from 1000-2000. Election day is February 27 and polling stations will be open from 0900-2100 that day. Please get out and vote and bring your eligible friends and family with you!! We need as many people at the polls as possible! For more information on where you can cast your vote, and what you need to bring, checkout the Elections Ontario website.
There are 10.8 million eligible voters in the province of Ontario. 2022's Provincial Election saw the lowest voter turnout in Ontario history. Only 4.6 million votes were cast in that election and the PC Party ended up winning a majority much to the detriment of healthcare workers, our patients, and the healthcare system. They won with only 1.9 million votes. There are 68000+ nurses in this province (not counting our retired nurses). Our votes have power.
I tell you this because this election is our opportunity to change things. We have had the current Provincial government for 7 years, and this election was not necessary and came to the tune of about $175 million dollars. Not to mention the $3 billion dollars that was sent out to Ontarian's before the writ dropped. That was $3 billion dollars that could have been invested in public services. The Superbowl ad that Ontario bought a spot for - a cool $8 million dollars. These things don't even scratch the surface of the nonsensical things this government has done with tax-payer dollars.
ONA is non-partisan but I think has been clear - Doug Ford is definitely not the friend of nurses. I have seen enough damage done at our local level, and heard enough from other ONA leaders across this province about the conditions they too are facing, to know that the problems we face at the bedside are bigger than just SMGH. The federal government grants transfers of money slated for healthcare, with some strings attached to ensure the money is appropriately used by the Premiers. The Provincial government has direct power over our healthcare system and where funding goes (or doesn't go). This is why this provincial election, and likely in the near future the federal election, is important for nurses to vote in.
I won't tell you who to vote for - that is a personal decision for you to make (and is totally not my place to do!) I encourage you to review the different party platforms and policies and make an informed decision. Most importantly - get out there and cast your vote!
In solidarity,
Steph