My Community Heroes Program

fiscal year, and that health care funding has fallen behind by almost $5 billion in the same period. So it certainly seems like the Ford government is deliberately trying to undermine our public health system.

As for Mr. Van Dam, and his endless statistics and questionable scenarios, the fact that I am disappointing him is yet again proof positive that I am on the right track. They have both failed to address what is happening in British Columbia where their government went down this same path of privatization, for the same reasons that the Ford government has given, and is now scrambling to backtrack because of the eye-watering addi- tional costs associated with privatization. If the Ford government can afford to pay more for health care, like it has already agreed to a 20% cost increase for cataract surgery, then why can it not adequately fund our public system, and pay our doctors and nurses what they are worth? This is the question that needs to be asked, and the answer lies not in economics, but in idealology.

Colin Creasey, Kemptville

Since the inception of the Kemptville District Community Association (KDCA) residents of North Grenville may have gotten to know us during the original Open House meeting we held with all the community stakeholders in November 2018, you may recognize our name from organizing the in-person Canada Day events in 2019 and 2022 at Riverside Park, and virtual Canada Day celebrations the years between. We are always looking for projects that make an impact in our community and in 2021 we were able to provide a much needed kayak launch at Anniversary Park.

The KDCA is jumping in front of 2023 with a lot of plans to get back to our purpose, supporting the communities of North Grenville and we are starting right off with launching our My Community Heroes Program! Can we ever have enough recognition of the amazing people who independently strive to bring value to our community? Teachers who have gone above and beyond, individuals who have taken their personal passion and engaged the community in something amazing, perhaps one of the cashiers at your local grocery store saved a day? The stories are endless and we want to hear them all.

Our committee is comprised of some very recognizable names from the community and they will not have an easy time making an ultimate decision as we are already seeing some nominations being submitted! From our KDCA Board: Tracy McDonald (Employment Services Supervisor, CSE Consulting), Chris Wilson (Commercial Risk Management, Tanner Insurance) and Alison Boudreau. From our Community: Herb Cloutier (Jamming Around Man Productions), Shelley Mitchell (To Be Continued) Leanne Cormier (Salamanders) Ashley Sloan (Kemptville Infinity) Samantha Rivet-Stevenson (RBC).

We have two catagories; Under 18 years old / Over 18 years old. Pretty simple! A take home award for each winner will be presented at our Annual General Meeting on March 23rd 2023 and an ongoing plaque will be hung at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

For those who may be interested in getting involved with the KDCA our Annual General Meeting will be open to all. We are actively seeking new board members, or those who may be interested in working alongside us on specific focus committees. Please reach out we would love to hear from you. Planning has already started for your Canada Day Celebrations started for this summer, come join in the fun!

Please follow us on our Facebook page or reach out if you have any questions! kemptvilledistrictca@gmail.com www.kdca.community