City Centre Mirror
The midtown riding of St. Paul’s was formed in 1999 out of portions of five former ridings and is bounded roughly by Eglinton and Broadview avenues to the north, the Canadian Pacific railway tracks and Moore Avenue to the south, Dufferin Street and Winona Drive to the west and Bayview Avenue to the east.
The population in St. Paul’s was 111,131 according to 2006 census data, with 15.67 per cent of the riding populated by seniors. The riding is largely affluent and includes such tony neighbourhoods as Forest Hill, Deer Park and Summerhill.
DR. ERIC HOSKINS - LIBERAL
Phone: 416-489-8683
Email: eric@votehoskins.ca
Website: www.votehoskins.ca
1) What election issue have you been hearing about in your riding that you plan to act on? How?
At the doors, residents of St. Paul's tell me they're proud of the things we've accomplished together since 2003. In health care, we've built new hospitals, hired more doctors and nurses and greatly improved long-term care for our seniors. In education, we've introduced full-day kindergarten, class sizes are down, graduation rates are up and test scores are up. On the economy, Ontario has created more jobs this year than the rest of Canada combined. Our environmental record and green energy initiatives are endorsed by David Suzuki. The residents of St. Paul's don't want to turn their backs on that progress.
2) What action do you feel the province should take in ensuring a long-term, growth-appropriate transit plan for Toronto?
I'm proud the Dalton McGuinty Liberal government is investing in the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown LRT. It's a project that is entirely funded by the Ontario government - an investment of $8 billion - and it's going to make a real difference in the lives of so many residents of St. Paul's. Best of all, it will be underground for minimal disruption to our neighbourhoods and businesses along Eglinton. Investing in transit is so important; it's one of the things we can do today to make our communities more liveable and to keep our city moving.
3) How do you plan to improve health care for your local constituents?
We know health care is possibly the most important thing we do as a provincial government. Under the former premier Mike Harris PC government, Ontarians were having a serious discussion about whether a universal health care system was possible. Our government has made sure a strong health care system is there for our families. Instead of closing hospitals, we're building 18 new ones. We've hired 11,000 more nurses and 1.3 million more Ontarians now have a family doctor. We've improved long-term care for our seniors and we're bringing back house calls so our seniors can get care in their homes.
4) Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm a family doctor and humanitarian who spent a decade overseas providing medical care to civilians affected by war - experience that led me to co-found the international charity War Child Canada with my wife Dr. Samantha Nutt. When I came back to Canada to start a family (we have a son), I practiced as a family doctor in Toronto. I believe government needs to be accountable and effective - meeting the needs of our families and communities.
DAVID HYNES - NDP
Phone: 416-320-8675
Email: info@votedavid.ca
Website: www.votedavid.ca
1) What election issue have you been hearing about in your riding that you plan to act on? How?
People are telling me the education system is not serving them well. Day care services are underfunded and too expensive. Schools like Arlington Middle School are being closed down and classes combined. While this is explained by demographics, (fewer children than before), I think this is an opportunity for us to decrease class and school sizes. Keep the funding constant, but reduce class sizes along with the decreasing number of children. Why should 30 or 40 students per class the norm? Furthermore, schools are often at the centre of our communities, and the loss of them affects everyone.
2) What action do you feel the province should take in ensuring a long-term, growth-appropriate transit plan for Toronto?
I've been hearing a lot about public transportation and bicycle lanes. We need to get people out of their cars and out on bicycles or trains. I am a believer that Toronto can and should have a world-class public transit system. We have promised to put $1 of provincial money for every dollar of municipal money toward the maintenance and operation of the transit system. I believe we need more subways, but the exact nature of the system is a municipal matter, which will have to be decided by the city in consultation with local communities and the province.
3) How do you plan to improve healthcare for your local constituents?
The McGuinty Liberals have squandered vast amounts of public money on consultants, as in the eHealth scandal, which cost the taxpayers $1 billion. How many hospital beds would that pay for? We want to strengthen oversight of the health system by having it supervised by the Ombudsman and redirect funds from consultants to front-line care like ambulances and emergency rooms. Personally, I would like to have a certification system put in place to allow Ontarians with medical degrees from other countries to become doctors. We have a shortage, and they are not able to practise their profession.
4) Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was an English teacher for 10 years, both here and in Japan. Currently, I am studying corporate responsibility and economic policy at York University in pursuit of a career in government. I believe the growing inequality of the last 30 years is the biggest problem facing Ontario. There is still too much homelessness, crime and ill-health. If I'm elected, I will work with the community toward a more healthy and equal society.
JUDITH VAN VELDHUYSEN - GREEN
Phone: 416-906-2130
Email: judithvanveldhuysen@gpo.ca
Website: www.electjudith.ca
1) What election issue have you been hearing about in your riding that you plan to act on? How?
Constituents in my riding are very concerned about the proposed mega quarry in Melancthon Township. This project will use 25 per cent of Ontario's drinking water each day and it's an issue that connects us all. Even though they currently reside in St. Paul's, many people either used to live in the region, or have friends and family who will be directly affected. I think this issue hasn't received nearly enough press coverage. My goal is to raise even greater awareness. We need to work together to make sure a full environmental assessment is called for the mega quarry.
2) What action do you feel the province should take in ensuring a long-term, growth-appropriate transit plan for Toronto?
The best action will be to focus on building walkable communities that are crucial for fostering and encouraging active lifestyles. The province needs to do its part to make it easier for people to live sustainable and healthy lifestyles. Improving our existing transit system, expanding bike lanes and focusing on densification is key. This will allow for shorter commute times, greater energy efficiency and improved mental health. The Green Party is committed to providing funding for complete streets initiatives as well as refundable tax credits for transit users.
3) How do you plan to improve health care for your local constituents?
The most effective and affordable way of keeping people healthy is preventing illness from occurring in the first place. The Green Party plan focuses on ensuring access to affordable, healthy food choices, and providing tools that will help prevent illness in the first place. I am committed to being an advocate for those most at risk - our elderly parents and our young children as a critical part of maintaining and elevating the health care standards for the residents of St. Paul's. I will promote policies that ensure our public healthcare system works for today, and is sustainable going forward.
4) Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm committed to changing the way you view politics. My focus will be on re-connecting individuals to their communities, delivering a government that truly reflects your values, and on promoting proactive health solutions for everyone. I believe politics is the best vehicle for having your voice be heard, and I want to help people realize that their opinions really do matter. I hope the community of St. Paul's will support me in making this vision a reality.