NDP’s Doyle says affordability, healthcare and housing are main concerns
In their own words: Barbara Doyle, New Democratic Party
Kawartha Lakes Weekly/ The Lindsay Advocate has reached out to all candidates in the local riding in advance of the Feb. 27 provincial election. Over the course of the week, we will feature Progressive Conservative, NDP, Liberal and Green’s as well as all remaining parties.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I grew up in Lindsay and I love my hometown. I work in our local museum, the Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives, as the managing director and have been working diligently with our team to build our capacities and get ready for expansion.
I am a mother and grandmother, dog and cat lover (although I only have my dog Pepper right now). My career and educational background include legal studies, real estate, educational development, corporate training and development, and of course heritage and culture.
I am an advocate for health care and was a co-founder of the Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition, as well as working for domestic violence advocacy and reform.
Why did you decide to run?
I could give you the expected answers but for me, while I have an excellent position at the museum, and I love what I am doing, I have felt for a long time that I have more to give to the community, and that I want more for our community. Standing for election is not easy, and it shouldn’t be, because it’s a request for every voter to trust you and believe that you will help make their lives better in some way, while also building for the future. NDP values and the focus on the core stabilities that we need every day, like health care, education, housing and basic affordability are what I believe in. We all need these services and supports. The PC’s have had enough time to make improvements here, and they have not. It’s time for a change.
Is this election necessary? Do you accept the premise it was called under?
There was absolutely no reason for Doug Ford to call this election almost a year and a half early. Calling it in the middle of February is little more than voter suppression. He had a majority and therefore already a mandate. Using the threat of U.S. tariffs is blatant fear-mongering and unnecessary. Doug Ford was simply worried that Pierre Poilievre may win the upcoming federal election, and as Ontario is a reverse bell-weather province, a scheduled provincial election in June of 2026 might not have delivered him a further four-year mandate. It’s a blatant power grab and nothing more, costing the taxpayers of Ontario over $180 million and leaving our government in a lame duck position. However, since he called it, I welcome the opportunity for every voter to cast their vote and maybe we just might have the change we need.
What are three key issues that you believe should be discussed in this election and why?
Affordability, healthcare and housing. These are the areas that affect every single voter every day and they are getting further out of reach for many in our communities. The cost of basic necessities, groceries, gas, clothing, entertainment and communication services have really jumped in price, but where do people cut their budgets? Consistent access to quality healthcare is a human right, but in our area, there are many that don’t have a family doctor, much less be able to afford medications, dental and vision care. That’s before even looking at the issue of aging and long-term care. The ongoing decline of the healthcare system with privatization is pricing many out of care. Housing, whether you pay a mortgage or rent, has skyrocketed. Creating a stable home environment that people can afford is a priority here.
What is one idea or program that your party proposes that you are particularly proud of and why?
Beyond our commitment to reopen the Minden ER and add 3,500 new family doctors across Ontario, I believe that our intentions to help our most vulnerable in our communities to ensure an ability to meet the cost of living is so important. We will double the rates for ODSP and OW, while also launching a monthly grocery rebate for low and middle income households. This will drop right into your accounts like Trillium benefits, based on income (up to $60,000 for singles would get about $40/month, and $100,000 combined incomes for families would see about $120/month) so that it takes the edge off the amount food has increased in cost over the last several years. (It is not intended to be enough to buy all your groceries for the month.) To go along with that, there is a plan to tackle price gouging by the corporations and ensure price change transparency on the store shelves. I like that we will help now but also go right to the root of the problem to stop it getting worse. With these combined measures, we will see an increase in individual health and food security, while also improving the local economy as those funds are spent with local retailers.
Where have you campaigned so far?
I have been working my way through different communities, but there has been a lot of bad weather. I am also doing a lot of calling and Zoom chats. There are several events set up for the home stretch of the campaign.
What kind of reception have you got from people when you knock on their door?
When I am chatting with people, most seem receptive to at least talking about the issues that matter most to them. I really enjoy asking people what they think about all this and have had some great conversations. Many have questions about specific issues including tariffs and how that may affect people here. Some say they already know who they are voting for/have voted for.
What appears to be the number one issue in the riding this election?
I think it’s a pretty close tie between healthcare and affordability of daily living. Everyone is feeling the pinch of rising prices and stagnant wages. In the Haliburton/Minden area, there is a lot of anger over the Minden ER being closed but I reassure people that the NDP has committed to reopening it.
Has weather had an impact on your campaign?
Yes, absolutely. Canvassing in the snow is difficult from a safety perspective, it still gets dark early so normal evening canvasses are out. Signage is challenging to put out and we can’t put them out along roadsides and intersections as we normally would.
Polling firms are predicting a turnout of below 40 per cent of eligible voters. Do you agree after being out and about and talking to the voting public?
This riding is geographically large. There is only one current advance poll at the Returning Office in Lindsay, with other locations to be published after the 14th, and then some areas will have 3 days of advance polling. With the weather the way it is, a large number of seniors who may not feel comfortable navigating the weather to get to the polls and people away vacationing, I believe these factors may combine to create a very low voter turnout in this particular riding. This makes it more important than ever for every eligible voter to get out and cast their vote. Be heard!
