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Deb tells us why she thinks Kathleen will prevail

It's no secret Kathleen Wynne's Liberals are down in the polls, but the outgoing deputy premier tells us why she is predicting a repeat of the 2014 election
Deb Matthews
Deb Matthews. Photo provided

Kathleen Wynne is far behind in the polls to repeat as Ontario premier. But her campaign co-chair is not sweating it. Deb Matthews, who is also deputy premier, notes her boss found herself in the same position before the 2014 election.

“Premier Wynne is someone who has often been underestimated, including during the last campaign,” Matthews tells BarrieToday. “But when the pundits focused on the horse race and the pollsters on who was up or down, she kept her focus where it has always been and always should be – on the people of Ontario.”

She’s convinced history will repeat itself next summer.

“It’s that focus that the people of this province put their confidence in when they supported her in the last election and I believe they will put their faith in her again come June 2018.”

Matthews, who is retiring from politics, having served Liberal governments in the health and youth services portfolios, says the mission now is to focus the Liberal message on the damage a possible Progressive Conservative government headed by Patrick Brown would render the province.

“The truth is we just don’t know how far they would go. The Conservatives time and time again have answered our plan for the province with deafening silence. In the few instances where they have found their voice, it does not reflect the people of our province.”

Matthews harps on Brown’s opposition to the Grits’ sex-education program, “even if that meant putting our kids at risk,” and to his own party’s defence of a woman’s right to choose while a federal MP.

“He planted his feet firmly in the dark ages.”

She’s also not above comparing Brown to Donald Trump.

“Under his leadership (provincially), the values of diversity and inclusion that define us as a province would be in as much danger as they are now south of the border.”

In 2014, then-Tory leader Tim Hudak sought the premiership on a scheme to reduce the public sector by thousands of jobs, ultimately putting him on a collision course with unions in the province – and the rank and file in his own party. It opened the door to a surprise majority for the Liberals and Wynne.

Matthews suggests it’s perhaps that fear of bumbling away another election that prevents voters from hearing bold campaign moves from either Brown or New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath.

“They have offered few solutions to the challenges faced by the people of Ontario, and in the few instances where they have spoken up, the details are murky at best.”

She chides Brown for his opposition to raising the minimum wage to $15.

“He opposes it and believes that it would be ‘too fast’ and ‘too soon’ to help workers who are struggling to get ahead. You can bet that this important step towards more fairness for workers would be the first thing in his crosshairs if he won power.”

Whether the current bribery trial of two of the premier’s staffers in Sudbury – or the barrage of high-profile Liberal MPPs sitting this election out – (Treasury Board President Liz Sandals and veteran Monte Kwinter (who are also retiring), as well as Brad Duguid, Glen Murray, and Speaker Dave Levac) will stick in voters’ minds is uncertain.

Matthews prefers to focus on her government’s record, which she calls a more positive one, and insists voters have a clear choice as the months wind down toward the June 7 election.

“They can vote for continued progress that’s moving Ontario forward under the leadership of Kathleen Wynne, or they can take a chance on a Conservative approach grounded in values imported from our southern neighbours.”


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Glenn Wilkins

About the Author: Glenn Wilkins

Glenn Wilkins, in a 30-year media career, has written for print and electronic media, as well as for TV and radio. Glenn has two books under his belt, profiling Canadian actors on Broadway and NHL coaches.
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