We’re facing a global emergency that threatens our environment, our communities and our way of life. And we know that the worst effects of climate change have and will continue to disproportionately impact racialized and working class people. New Democrats cannot stand by and accept this as normal.

The structural changes we need to make to tackle this crisis bring unprecedented opportunity - and Ontario must not miss out. I believe our province should lead on climate action, showing the world what’s truly possible by protecting our natural environment, creating good paying jobs in sustainable industries, building green infrastructure while retrofitting existing buildings and shaping a future powered by clean energy.

New Democrats cannot be on the sidelines while First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Ontario aren’t afforded the rights that others in our province take for granted - like clean drinking water, fair treatment from the justice system, or a safe and decent home. We need a government that centres Indigenous rights, experiences and knowledge in a new relationship based on trust and respect. Reconciliation must be at the core of every single thing we do.

I moved to Ontario from Newfoundland when I was younger for the promise of better job prospects and a good education. For many young people now, that opportunity is harder to find.

We can restore that optimism, and win more for our children: more equity, more access, and more confidence in the world they will inherit.

As we recover from the pandemic, we must focus on creating good jobs where workers’ labour is respected, their safety is protected and they can earn enough to build a life for themselves and their family.

The last Ontario election saw the worst voter turnout in the history of the province. Hate is on the rise and extremist ideology is gaining a foothold. This is not normal. Something is broken in our democratic institutions.

We can restore confidence in democracy by putting more power into the hands of people. That means more democracy in our workplaces (including making it easier to join a union), and in our economy - giving people more of a say in how the community assets they cherish are owned and operated. We can make voting truly reflect the will of the people by getting rid of our outdated first-past-the-post system and replacing it with one where every vote counts.

A public education system that is a model for the world. Health care and a social safety net that you can always count on to be there when you need it. Disability and income supports that allow people to not only live in dignity, but to thrive. Support for everyone to live a great life whether you’re 8 weeks old or 80 years old. With the talent, the wealth and the resources that we have here in Ontario, all of this should be normal.

We must fight the looming threat of privatization in our schools, our hospitals, and our public services. But we’re not just working to keep the lights on. More is possible when we hold ourselves to a higher standard, and choose to invest in communities and the services that make them great places to live.