Local consultations inform budget process: Pettapiece

QUEEN’S PARK – Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece hosted pre-budget consultations with municipalities, businesses, and organizations from across the riding recently, in preparation for the upcoming 2021 provincial budget.

Pettapiece highlighted local ideas and priorities in a statement to the Legislative Assembly on Feb. 18.

“I’ve often found the best ideas do not come from Queen’s Park. They come from the people I represent,” the MPP stated.

“We heard from municipal officials, businesses, and organizations throughout our riding. Their presentations covered a lot of ground.

“We heard about the ongoing challenges in health care and long-term care. We heard about slow internet speeds and connectivity. We heard about the need for more affordable housing in our communities.”

He added, “We heard about the ongoing challenges due to COVID-19. The arts, tourism and culture industries, accommodations, food and beverage, and retail have been especially hard-hit.

“We heard about the need for local processing capacity and good rural infrastructure. We heard about the need to support family and social services, and the importance of access to childcare.”

Pettapiece continued, “And finally, we heard about mental health and the toll this pandemic is taking. Timely and accessible mental health support for every person, business and organization in every corner of our riding is absolutely essential.

“I know our government is aware of these issues and is working hard to address them. But these hearings tell me we need to do even more.”