Dave Andrews introduced Jennifer. Jennifer French is the MPP for the riding of Oshawa. She was a committed classroom educator who was first elected to serve at Queen’s Park in 2014. Jennifer has been a strong and passionate voice for workers, students, seniors and the community. She has been proud to build relationships across our region to ensure issues are raised at the Legislature and people are heard. Jennifer is a champion for autoworkers, our local environment and Greenbelt, fairness across our community for road users, and for safe learning and working environments. She is proud to serve as a Presiding Officer of the Legislative Assembly as a Deputy Speaker of the Legislature. MPP French also serves as His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transportation.
“It’s easy to support people [like Rotarians] who care.”
Jennifer spoke from her heart when she talked about returning to Queen’s Park after the (cold and snowy) election in winter. Her return was just long enough to meet new members and to experience Premier Doug Ford’s legislative push. The ramifications of that rushed session are just now being analyzed and felt. Please contact her and her office with any concerns you may have.
Several themes emerged from her conversations with her constituents.
Funding shortages - especially with families with autistic children.
Healthcare billing issues, such as what is covered by OHIP vs upselling of services (like cataract lenses). Increased transparency is necessary to help people make good decisions about their health.
Underfunding of provincial schools. Yes, spending is up, but the paradox continues that even with the increase, classrooms are still hurting.
Housing issues. This is not one issue, but layers of problems that need fixing. It is not just giving developers incentives to build; it is creating affordable and safe housing with predictable rent. It is also the need for ‘supportive housing’ for folks who need help to stay housed. This may be access to social workers, help with medications, or help with their banking.
The mental health crisis – she is proud of her work with the Back Door Mission. She successfully asked the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions to visit Oshawa, and these visits secured funding for on-site medical care, keeping folks out of the emergency room.
As Canadians, we are overwhelmed by talk of tariffs and trade wars. We will not be the “51st” state. We are all doing our part to buy Canadian and support local businesses. But we need a plan not just for now, but one for the future. Please feel free to reach out to her to voice your concerns or provide suggestions. Her door is always open. If she does not have the answers, she will work with MP Kirkland’s office to get the answers we need. It is about Oshawa and our bright future.
Comments from Kim, Dave A, and Emmy. Kim voiced concerns about the elimination of school trustees. Dave congratulated her on her work on the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus. Emmy thanked Jennifer for her continuing leadership. Tess thanked Jennifer.
President David Mankiewicz closed the meeting at 8:15 pm.
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