REJECT HELPING OTTAWA’S MOST VULNERABLE DURING OC TRANSPO STRIKE

But the Liberals told the City to use their own money.  Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Jim Watson replied “the city claims that it is saving $3 million a week on this strike. So I’d encourage them, if they need additional funds for social assistance, to take it from those savings.”

“The Premier has to step-up to help those who are suffering, as a result of the 48 day old OC Transpo Strike, so that we can expand or sustain existing provincial programs,” stated MacLeod.  “My office has been flooded with heartbreaking stories of those who have had to make life-altering decisions. Many of those callers are on ODSP or Ontario Works, others are the working poor.” Offering a one-time emergency social service funding is well within the mandate of the Ontario Government.  MacLeod urged the Premier to offer the Mayor of Ottawa assistance for the rising costs of social services as a result of the strike.

is not about the labour issues, or who is to blame for this strike,” stated MacLeod.  “This is about helping Ottawa residents who have been forced to choose between gas or food, medication or driving, quitting or staying in school.  It’s time for this government to step-up to the plate on the humanitarian side of this strike.”