Kernaghan demands emergency action as crises deepen in London and across Ontario

LONDON — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Small Business, Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre), pressed the Premier in Question Period today to finally recognize the deepening crisis in Ontario’s downtowns as a state of emergency and to provide municipalities with the urgent resources they need.

“What we are seeing in London and across Ontario are the consequences of this government’s choices,” Kernaghan said in the Legislature. “People have been abandoned without housing or support, while Conservatives scrapped rent control, refused to build affordable and supportive housing, and failed to properly invest in mental health and addiction services.”

Kernaghan highlighted that small businesses are being forced to step into the front lines because of provincial inaction, as downtowns become increasingly unstable and families feel less safe visiting their city centres.

“Ontario’s Big City Mayors are calling for urgent action,” Kernaghan said. “Will the Premier open his eyes, declare a state of emergency, and finally provide the resources municipalities need to house people and restore stability to our downtowns?”

Kernaghan called on the Premier to stop ignoring the severity of the crisis and to immediately commit the investments required to support vulnerable people, strengthen communities, and ensure small businesses can continue to operate safely.