Editor's note: The following is in response to current issues raised by a local alliance known as Just Recovery Simcoe. The group's concerns can be read here.
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NEWS RELEASE
DOUG SHIPLEY, BARRIE-SPRINGWATER-ORO-MEDONTE MP
JOHN BRASSARD, BARRIE-INNISFIL MP
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An alliance of 35 Simcoe County groups recently reached out to government officials, calling for a COVID-19 recovery focused on three principles: Invest in People, Invest in Nature, and Invest in Communities.
Barrie-Innisfil Member of Parliament John Brassard and Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte Member of Parliament Doug Shipley welcomed the thoughtful input and responded to the letter with their suggestions.
“I have said many times and I honestly believe it is essential for all levels of government to work together on plans for an economic recovery,” said Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard. “I am concerned about local families and businesses impacted by COVID-19 and I am working with stakeholders focused on the economy and the environment, as the health crisis lessens.
"Creating and following through with effective, smart policies is the key.”
Canada’s Conservatives understand that good jobs will enable Canadians and their families to succeed, build communities and ultimately makes a stronger country.
“Let’s also remember that governments don’t create jobs, people do,” said Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MP Doug Shipley. “Governments at all levels need to create a business-friendly environment and let the power of the Canadian businesses and the people they employ propel our economy out of this crisis.”
Green technology will be a part of that recovery and therewith increasing growth opportunities for the sector in the future. Still, Brassard and Shipley agree that traditional sectors will continue to play an immediate and significant role and must be
supported by the government.
“We have to travel down a parallel path and any thought of abandoning traditional sectors of our economy that have created historical growth and opportunity in Canada will cause a much slower rate of recovery,” Brassard said. “According to their letter, the 35-group alliance is also focused on the environment and locally that means working together for the health of Lake Simcoe.”
Immediately following the election last fall, local MPs asked the prime minister to reinstate the Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund, but that has not yet happened. Lake Simcoe is the jewel of Simcoe County and an important resource for central Ontario.
“Lake Simcoe and our watershed need our continued attention and, again, we will only be successful when we collaborate with stakeholders, municipalities, and conservation authorities,” Shipley said.
The Conservatives' Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Plan was successful and must be reinstated.
By working with stakeholders including the alliance of 35 groups included in the letter, all levels of government will get the best results for Canadians as the COVID-19 health crisis lessens and the economic crisis deepens.
“It’s always great to receive feedback like this from individuals and groups – in this case many groups – who are passionate about our community and committed to making improvements,” MP Brassard said. “I value the feedback and I look forward to working
with many of these stakeholders, local businesses and individuals in the months and years ahead as we recover from the serious impact of COVID-19.”
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