Open letter to the editor: Our communities need to be heard just like white, straight, rich men says Pride

Dear Premier Ford:

We have been asking for a debate with all the party leaders for over four years now. We have been ignored by you and the PC Party of Ontario, until we approached you about May 10^th, holding our community debate after the FONOM debate in North Bay.

See: Provincial leaders will debate during FONOM conference in North Bay

We got an answer that was a no, but at least someone responded finally.

When we approached FONOM about the debate, and about being able to ask some questions, we were told we needed to submit the questions and they may be considered. One line stands out in their email to us, “A Northern debate is an avenue for us to have our issues a priority, even for an afternoon, of the four major parties.”  

FONOM is charging $190 per person to be able to attend the debate, so please explain how you can address issues for the people, by charging anyone $190 or screening their questions? How can Northerners who are struggling to make ends meet be a part of a leader’s debate when they cannot afford their rent, food, transportation, childcare, medications, etc, and MAY be considered to submit a question?

How do you and the PC Party of Ontario support such an out-of-reach opportunity for our community when you claim to support the “People”?

How do the people attend to ask real questions that affect us?

How can you say you represent the community in Ontario Politics without us?

You are saying you are about the “People”? How is this about all “People” when it is run by white straight men, who have the financial means to afford such an endeavour?

How do white straight wealthy men get the privilege over everyone else? Once again, marginalized communities including the 2SLGBTQ+, indigenous, BIPOC, seniors, vets, homeless, etc., are being left to stand outside the door in the cold. We have asked you repeatedly because you claim to represent the “People” to commit to a debate presented by our community, for the community and we get unanswered emails or get a no. Are you getting donations from them or is it something else?

Our communities need to be heard just like white straight rich men, so why is that not happening? How do we fix this so every community can feel like they are heard Premier Ford?

You claim we are equal, but this clearly is telling everyone, that we are not.

Sincerely,

Jason Maclennan

Communications Director

North Bay Pride