Karen Graham
We’ve seen a lot of Mike Perry in the last few months. He is working hard to get to know the community and understand the issues that are at the top of the list in this township. His style is inclusive: he has conducted consultation sessions around the riding and is eager to speak to constituents- even when they ask pointed questions!
Mike Perry (Photo: Twitter)
A Fenelon Falls native, Perry was nominated in January on first ballot in 3 way race. Perry’s day job is Executive director of the Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team, serving Lindsay, Omemee, little Britain, Fenelon Falls. His agenda of social reform stems from his extensive experience as a volunteer in organizations including the Bobcaygeon Food Bank, Community Living Kawartha Lakes, Neighbourhood Housing, Kawartha-Haliburton Victims’ Services and Kawartha Food Coalition. Mr. Perry is also a 2nd Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment.
Because his current career is in Health care, Perry is naturally focused on this issue. Discrepancies in the delivery of health care services amongst the provinces are a cause of concern, and he believes the discrepancies stem from the way the current government administers the Canada Health Act. He believes the federal government should take a stronger role in health care administration, and instead of giving the provinces “blank cheques” to spend, he would prefer to direct provincial health care transfer payments to specific, universal programs as was intended by the original leader of the New Democratic Party and founder of socialized medicine in Canada, Tommy Douglas.
Like his opponents, one of the main components of his platform is the creation of good jobs. Recognizing that small business create 80% of new jobs in Canada, the NDP plans to help small business include a two percent tax cut, tax credits for hiring new employees, and addressing the high transaction fees levied by banks and credit card companies on card processing at the cash register.
The environment also ranks high on Perry’s agenda. The NDP platform includes the promise to invest in clean technologies. Perry was quick to explain that this does not mean promoting industrial wind turbines. They are interested in developing energy from existing dams in the northern region, believing that water power is the cleanest and cheapest source of clean energy. He has also spoken to a local biomass company and is keen to help small firms like this one with the patent process to help them bring new technologies to market. More importantly, the party hopes to re-establish Canada’s credibility on an international level by participating in international climate change initiatives.
Perry is an enthusiastic, energetic candidate who welcomes the opportunity to talk politics with residents. An affable, approachable sort, expect to see him often in the community as he spends time getting to know us, whether we share his views or not.
