The provincial election is now four days away. Many have voted already and those who have not and intend to do so have likely made up their minds. But in tight ridings like that in Parry Sound- Muskoka, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
In the recent past I have made my own position quite clear when it comes to this election and many of those that disagree with me have done the same. All of that is fair ball.
My greatest concern is that the two new full-service acute-care hospitals for Muskoka now committed to by the Ford Government will be in jeopardy if we do not return a Conservative member to the provincial legislature for Parry Sound-Muskoka.
Yes, this presupposes that the Ford Government is re-elected on Thursday, but at this point in the campaign most signs point to it being the best bet, although still a bet. And yes, I have heard the accusations of fear-mongering when I suggest that the outcome of hospital care in Muskoka is potentially at risk in this election.
But this is not just me. I have said what I have to say on this subject. This week two people with a long history of community involvement in Huntsville and Muskoka, Bob Hutcheson and Doug Millikin, have reached out to me with their concerns. Bob has put his concerns in a letter to Doppler which I urge you to read. Doug Millikin has agreed to allow me to include his comments in this article, because they deal exclusively with my main concern, and that is the future of our hospitals and Fairvern Nursing Home.
Many people will remember Doug Millikin. He came to Huntsville to build the Kimberly-Clark facility here and remained many years as plant manager and subsequently retired here. This, at the young age of nearly 97, is what he has to say:
“The circular graph from Mainstreet Polling, published in Doppler last week, filled me with alarm.
“I lived in Huntsville for 50 years and during that time was vice-chair of Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and chair of the building committee for what was then a new hospital. I also served as chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. As vice chair of the Hospital board, I was very involved in the purchase of the forty-acre site on which the Huntsville Hospital now sits.
“I am very aware that both our hospitals in Muskoka now need more renovations or rebuilding. I care vehemently about the future of our hospital in Huntsville, especially having spent 12 nights under its care last July. I am grateful that Doug Ford has committed to two new hospitals in Muskoka, one in Huntsville and the other in Bracebridge, and I believe it is very important that this becomes a reality.
“For the past three years, I have been living with my family in Guelph, although frequently returning to Huntsville. Mike Schreiner, the leader of the Ontario Green Party, is the MPP for the riding in which I currently reside. Talking to a cab driver recently, he commented that while Mike is an extremely fine individual, with high ideals, he really has minimum clout in getting approvals from the province for matters important to the riding.
“It is my experience, over many years, that a riding seldom gets anything allocated unless the MPP is also a member of the party in power.
“It was under a Davis/Miller government that we got the current hospital. It was under a Ford/Miller government that we got the new and expanded Fairvern Long-Term Care Home approved. And it was under a Ford/Miller government that we got the commitment for two new fully serviced acute care hospitals in Muskoka.
“It was under a Liberal government, with a Conservative member in Parry Sound-Muskoka, when we lost the Northlander train service, and it was under a Liberal government when we were switched from being designated in Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario, resulting in a significant reduction in eligible grants.
“We need to think seriously about that. When the rubber hits the road, a riding is best served by having an MPP who is also a member of the government party. This is the reality—this is politics—pure and simple. ‘Take care of one’s own.’ It is a serious business.
“Now make no mistake. The sole reason that I write this is that it is my strong opinion that we jeopardize the recent new hospital funding commitment if the successful candidate in Parry Sound-Muskoka is not a member of the governing party, which all polls currently project will be the Conservatives.
“I fully understand people’s anger and frustration, especially after the pandemic we have all been through. I simply ask that the very possible adverse consequences, especially in relation to our hospitals and Fairvern, in not electing the Conservative candidate in Parry Sound-Muskoka be considered.
“I urge everyone eligible to vote to think about this. The stakes could not be higher.”
To me, Doug Millikin has explained the issue in a nutshell. It is not personal. It is just the reality of hard-nosed politics. I agree with him entirely. The stakes could not be higher and clout matters.
Hugh Mackenzie
Hugh Mackenzie has held elected office as a trustee on the Muskoka Board of Education, a Huntsville councillor, a District councillor, and mayor of Huntsville. He has also served as chairman of the District Muskoka and as chief of staff to former premier of Ontario, Frank Miller.
Hugh has served on a number of provincial, federal and local boards, including chair of the Ontario Health Disciplines Board, vice-chair of the Ontario Family Health Network, vice-chair of the Ontario Election Finance Commission, and board member of Roy Thomson Hall, the National Theatre School of Canada, and the Anglican Church of Canada. Locally, he has served as president of the Huntsville Rotary Club, chair of Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, president of Huntsville Festival of the Arts, and board member of Community Living Huntsville.
In business, Hugh Mackenzie has a background in radio and newspaper publishing. He was also a founding partner and CEO of Enterprise Canada, a national public affairs and strategic communications firm established in 1986.
Currently, Hugh is president of C3 Digital Media Inc., the parent company of Doppler Online, and he enjoys writing commentary for Huntsville Doppler.
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Patricia Kuebler says
Doug Ford has promised two new hospitals whether the MPP for PSM is Green or PC. Although, as we are well aware, he could go back on his promise, like he did many times during his 4 years in office.
Matt Richter has the endorsement of SEIU – the union representing 60,000 health care workers. He will work tirelessly for the people of Parry Sound Muskoka.
The question I have, is why the Huntsville Doppler is allowing a person who has a regular column, to express his own views of politics. This should be a an unbiased publication! So now we know that the Doppler endorses the PC party. I, for one, will not be reading your publication in the future.
C Lee says
“It is my experience, over many years, that a riding seldom gets anything allocated unless the MPP is also a member of the party in power.”
– NOT TRUE
Janet Libke says
In response to Mr Mackenzie’s and Mr Millikin’s views in the recent article I feel that this is conservative fear mongering. I’m not worried about the hospitals being cancelled, I’m worried about Ford’s plans to privatize our health care system, and who will staff our hospitals, Mr Ford’s treatment of our nurses is causing them to leave the profession in droves. We have a opioid crisis, an autism crisis, a mental health crisis, what have the conservatives done, NOTHING.
If the conservatives want to gain more support in Parry Sound Muskoka they won’t be cutting services but expanding them. That’s how to gain support.
I also have family in Guelph, they have nothing but praise for Mike Schreiner and how he has represented Guelph.
We need a change, we need to address the climate crisis now, Parry Sound Muskoka is ready to support a move forward, a new way of doing politics. Let’s collaborate.
Sue McKenzie says
Hugh, if your greatest concern is that the two hospitals will be cancelled if a Green, Matt Richter, is elected, you are buying into the charge that this Ford promise is an election ploy, a vote-buying scheme, an attempt to blackmail voters and will be pulled from the table if a PC is not elected. So much for my long belief that you favoured a democratic system of governance for Ontario.
And while I’m at it, I might also point this out: how can the Bracebridge Mayor who voted with his Council to phase out gas-fired power plants in January 2021, be attacking the Greens and the NDP for supporting the 33 Ontario municipalities calling for the same phase out of gas that he called for?
Jo-Ann Roberts says
As a reporter for many years I know the value of talking to taxi drivers. However, one taxi driver is not a source I would ever base a story or an opinion on. According to the facts from credible sources the taxi driver Doug Millikin quotes in your editorial is wrong. Mike Schreiner is a very effective MPP and has accomplished a lot for the people of Guelph. The polls indicate he will be re-elected with a strong majority.
Here’s a list of a few of Mike’s accomplishments. It’s the same kind of hard work and results you can expect if Matt Richter becomes the MPP for Parry Sound Muskoka.
*Guelph General Hospital Funding – $15 million
This much-needed funding will help Guelph General Hospital continue its quality, efficient and effective administration and patient care by expanding the Emergency Department. Mike has been pushing for this funding for years and it was a core issue for him at Queen’s Park ever since elected as MPP for Guelph in 2018.
*Paris Galt Moraine Conservation Act, 2019 (Bill 71)
This landmark legislation will protect drinking water for more than 200,000 people within the Paris Galt Moraine.
*The Dolime quarry
In April of 2013, Mike joined forces to protect Guelph’s water supply from the Dolime quarry. Residents supported Mike’s work with lawn signs, protests, postcards, and an online petition. These grassroots actions helped lead Guelph to win their appeal to halt approval for Dolime’s water taking permit and the eventual decision to cease operations of the Quarry.
*Saving small business from eviction
Mike Schreiner led the charge to hold the Ford government to account and secure a commercial eviction moratorium for small businesses and a pledge to fix the rental assistance program.
*Advocated for two-way, all-day transit and GO service
Mike fought for all-day, two-way GO service to Guelph and Kitchener and express bus service between Hamilton, Cambridge, and Kitchener-Waterloo. In September of 2021, a new GO route was opened
Joined forces for funding of the Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team (IMPACT)
When IMPACT and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) sought funding to expand their successful program in Guelph, they joined forces with Mike Schreiner and Liberal MP for Guelph, Lloyd Longfield. Together, they successfully lobbied with Ontario’s Big City Mayors and Guelph’s Police Chief for more funding.
*Reopening community gardens during COVID
Ontario’s COVID plans deemed community gardens as “recreational”. Mike’s constant advocacy for sensible COVID protocols would see community gardens reopened across the Province and classified as an essential food service.
*Fighting for YOU
Mike was a strong advocate for Hope House and the YMCA funding applications with the federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
For Guelph and the Elora Community, the investment made a significant difference:
*$2 million for a three-story addition to the YMCA of Guelph for a youth recreational space and an expansion of a universal change room.
*$3 million to renovate and expand the 40-year-old Elora Community Centre
*$400,000 to HOPE House to rehabilitate the church it operates out of and construct a three-story community centre.
*195 Long Term Care beds for St. Joseph’s and The Elliot retirement home.
*$460,000 in funding under the Ontario Priority Housing Initiative for the Grace Gardens affordable housing project.
*Community Service
Mike has always been there to lend a hand and help create positive change in Guelph. Here’s how:
Worked to support small business in Guelph during COVID and pressured the Ford government to create a sensible reopening plan that does not put small business at risk.
Navigating dozens of local businesses through Covid relief funds
A champion for supportive and affordable housing .
Negotiated a rough sleeping protocol between City of Guelph by-law and service providers
Advocated to extend the moratorium on bottled water
Supported the Guelph Humane Society on animal enforcement
Advocated for an overdose prevention site
Worked with the University of Guelph on holding in-person labs during COVID
Helped put a stop to a new GO substation in Margaret Green Park
Successfully fought for the extension of the bottled water moratorium
Advocating for local festivals and arts and culture orgs getting support through COVID
Bonnie Duits says
This commentary reads like fear mongering at its finest. Even Doug Ford himself acknowledged in debate that he can ‘work with’ the Greens, respecting the ideas the party and its people bring forward.
Heather Moore says
I am dismayed that this ploy has been used to try to drum up support for Graydon’s election bid.
As noted by others, if the decision regarding hospitals goes away simply because there is not a Conservative candidate in place in Muskoka, democracy as we know it is doomed to fail. Ensuring any given area is adequately served with respect to hospital facilities is not a prize to be awarded to a favored child. Shame on Mr. MacKenzie for going down this road.
Murray Christenson says
I certainly have to agree with you Hugh and commend you for stating the obvious publicly in what would surely trigger the angst of Green Party campaign workers and party zealots as we see in the comments. Politics and governments have operated this way since the beginning of time. It would be hard to find someone in Muskoka who would not go on at length about how beautiful our region is and what wonderful communities we have. It’s no wonder so many people want to move here to retire or to raise a family. The one thing that has been consistent over the many years this riding has been developed and enjoyed by millions is we’ve been aligned, for the most part with governing parties.
I have been happy to see the progress and development of the return of passenger rail to the north by the Ford government and delivered to see the hospital announcement which will ensure top notch local health care for us all for generations to come. Graydon was a key player in helping to get us this far and there could be no one better suited to,carry us across the line.
Richard Corcelli says
Although my post below to Huntsville Doppler was penned before the election, some points within it, particularly with regard to ‘clout’, still leaves one doubtful, even though pundits suggest Graydon Smith has Doug Ford on speed dial.
South Muskoka Doppler readers may weigh in.
May 30, 2022. In old friend Hugh MacKenzie’s most recent column in Huntsville Doppler, ‘Listen Up – Clout Matters’, he makes a strong argument for electing locally, a member of the party that is a strong bet to form the next Ontario provincial government. This position was stimulated by reports that Green Party candidate Matt Richter’s support was growing stronger.
Hughie quotes Huntsville stalwart Doug Millikin, ‘…“It is my experience, over many years, that a riding seldom gets anything allocated unless the MPP is also a member of the party in power.’
There is no doubt an element of truth in that claim proven, on average, to be the case in recent years in Parry Sound-Muskoka.
Gravenhurst voters, however, have seen little evidence of the value of that ‘clout’ by its long time MPP, Norm Miller.
Mr. Miller was unable to bring to any conclusion the barnacle ridden issue of the sale of the Muskoka Regional Centre property on Lake Muskoka by Infrastructure Ontario, now sitting vacant for almost 30 years, on which the buildings are condemned.
It was on Mr. Miller’s watch that the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst was recently closed after providing training to firefighters since 1949. The Ontario Fire College had been the last of local employers providing well paying jobs in a town hard hit by unemployment.
Mr. Miller’s voice in this issue was a whisper at best, hardly what one would categorize as ‘clout’.
Just a year ago, the CBC reported that the PC government had committed $5 million in planning for the return of the Ontario Northlander passenger rail service to north eastern Ontario by 2025. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and MPP for Nipissing and Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation were quoted but suspicious by his absence was Norm Miller.
One wonders then, could PC candidate Graydon Smith deliver the two new community hospitals funding commitment, one in Huntsville, the other in Bracebridge? According to Messrs MacKenzie and Millikin, these are the two political teasers in the Parry Sound-Muskoka election.
If we use Mr. Miller’s report card as a reference on getting things done in his riding, while not a member of Cabinet, Graydon will likely have his hands full, as a legislative newby. Most major decisions are made in cabinet, not in caucus.
Matt Richter may have an anvil on his back while attempting to deliver two new hospitals, while being a lost voice crying in the wilderness.
In our ‘first past the post’ electoral system, in the 2018 provincial election, 22,662 PC voters elected Norm Miller but a combined total of 23,894 voters in Parry Sound-Muskoka supported the three other main parties.
Recent polls suggest the spread could be greatly reduced in 2022, if not reversed.
So, of what value is that ‘clout’ that Hugh so vigorously trumpets?
Richard Corcelli
Gravenhurst, ON