Thread by @OntarioNDP

NDP Leader @AndreaHorwath: Yesterday, we saw the preliminary boundaries for Ford's reckless scheme to eliminate 25 public health units, which will see large cities like Ottawa & Kingston now share a public health unit.
Who did Ford consult with on these boundaries? #onpoli

Horwath: Chief Medical Officers in #HamOnt & Niagara are still struggling to figure out how the merger of their regions will even work, much less the impact on services. Why is the Ford govt keeping public health units in the dark while they force through risky changes? #onpoli

Horwath: Ford's attack on regional health care systems will impact every part of Ontario. Waterloo Regional Chair Karen Redman: “I have grave concerns...the farther you move away from local decision-making, the greater the opportunity for less responsive & accountable decisions."

Horwath: Because of Ford's education cuts, the Toronto DSB released their proposed operating budget for this year with a $42 million hole. Programs & services for students will need to be scaled back. Is Ford ready to admit that his education cuts are hurting students? #ontEd

Horwath: One of the programs Ford's cuts to education is hitting is the French Immersion and Extended French programs. Students will now have fewer French Immersion opportunities. Does Ford believe that forcing schools to cut essential programs will help students succeed?

Horwath: Ford's education cuts mean fewer psychology staff, fewer supports for teachers to boost their skills in science, math and technology, and fewer opportunities for students to learn music or art. Is this the kind of change Ford thinks our students deserve? #onpoli

Horwath to Attorney General: Globe and Mail reports that Ford's Chief of Staff Dean French ordered senior political aides to direct police to raid cannabis stores the day marijuana became legal with the goal of getting “people in handcuffs” on the noon-hour news.

Horwath: The Globe reports that the Attorney General attended a follow-up meeting in which these same staff were reprimanded by Dean French, the Premier and senior Cabinet Ministers for not following through on Mr. French’s orders. #onpoli

Horwath: The govt staff who refused to do Dean French’s bidding did so for a good reason: In a democracy, the govt does not dictate who police investigate or how they conduct investigations.
A concept that, sadly, the Ford govt seems to have a problem with.
#onpoli

NDP MPP @solmamakwa: Recently there was a devastating fire in the community of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, also known as Big Trout Lake. Five died; a mother and 4 of her children, all under 13. Using Jordan’s Principle will the govt help the community’s youth? #onpoli #FNpoli

Mamakwa: Fires in Pikangikum, Mishkeegogamang and Wunnumin Lake also had tragic outcomes. First Nations residents are 10x more likely to die in a house fire. It’s not enough to just feel bad and have moments of silence. This govt could take actions that make this less likely.