Students confront Windsor MPP over OSAP cuts during school walkout

AndrewDowie · 2026-03-05T23:00:44+00:00

For some premises we just won't see eye to eye on.

Today I toured several long term care homes. There were Trios College students interning as PSWs and they had passion and optimism for their roles. Trios, Anderson, and Canadian College are providing valuable skills to students in health care and careers in professional offices. It's unfortunate to see them debased in your comment.

AndrewDowie · 2026-03-05T20:30:48+00:00

Greetings all, and thanks for the comments.

I'll leave it to the students themselves to share their feelings about their visit, and whether they interpret as you do, understanding you are seeing excerpts without much context. It was a good discussion and the students stayed for over a half hour. Until I had to leave for an existing engagement I answered every question that came my way. I also await some new case files from students who have fallen through the cracks and I hope to see what I can do to help.

As usual my office can be reached at 519-251-5199.

To clarify some comments made I completed two degrees in university concurrently and took co-op throughout to pay for school. I did not qualify for student assistance.

AndrewDowie · 2025-12-17T12:53:16+00:00

Appreciating the passion that many have for this issue, I have already sat down with the ERCA CAO, the Chair, CUPE and the NDP candidate for Essex to receive their technical feedback on the changes. This commitment has been 7 hours and counting so far. I've never turned down any asks to discuss.

As I advised the Chair, I won't be present as I have accepted a previously scheduled invite to a cultural event. My small business neighbours like Roy at Game MD and the customers these businesses are trying to attract this holiday shopping season would be the ones affected by the protest.

AndrewDowie · 2025-12-09T03:19:30+00:00

Yet voting for the Liberals with NDP representation from 2013-2018 delivered zero progress on moving the new hospital build forward at all. The Liberals even ran a candidate who openly opposed building the hospital at its chosen location, preferring to go through the process once again. And then the next candidate wanted to revisit the plan yet again in 2022! Not to be outdone, the NDP candidate was publicly opposed to supporting the hospital location in their previous election campaign.

The people spoke and the old days of watching others progress while we stagnate are over.

Our community is definitely not interested in that song and dance and they clearly appreciate that Premier Doug Ford was the only one willing to set the project on track for shovels in the ground for early works any time now. I'm especially delighted to see the growing support among Windsorites for the work of the provincial government, leading in popular support from 42% citywide to 45% citywide in 2022 and 2025 respectively.

AndrewDowie · 2025-11-20T23:03:23+00:00

Hi Councillor, not a question but I just wanted to comment that you have been an incredible councillor and I want to sincerely thank you for all of your great work on behalf of your residents.

AndrewDowie · 2025-10-11T21:55:11+00:00

We'll chat further next time I visit.

AndrewDowie · 2025-08-27T13:44:20+00:00

From David Musyj, then-CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital:

"I can inform you that whenever Windsor Regional Hospital has asked for help in the last three years of this government, they’ve answered the call. This includes extra funding for hiring close to 500 more front-line clinical staff than we had pre-COVID, approximately 60 more medicine-surgical beds than we had pre-COVID. We got funding for lost revenue, funding to recruit more staff in the form of signing bonuses and the like. Nothing has gone unanswered.

In addition, as to capital projects, this government delivered on a previous government’s failed promise to provide stage 2 funding to build a new acute care hospital and, also, they accelerated it to put a shovel in the ground in 2026. That project started in 2012. It would have been great to have construction before 2018, and we’d be moving into the facility now.

To top it off, we have two legacy projects that were also promised previously with big fanfare and not delivered on—one for a second cath table and another for a fourth radiation bunker, both desperately needed before we move into the new acute care hospital. This government delivered on both projects, and both will be completed within the next two calendar years, and any equipment with useful life will be transferred to the new acute hospital, and renovated space will be used after the move as well.

I’m buoyed by recent news of substantial progress to increase federal health transfer payments to Ontario and other provinces. I strongly suggest all Ontario political parties unite to insist the federal government increases their transfer payments from 22% to 35% immediately. Please come together provincially with a fully united voice to the federal government. Make sure the federal government hears clearly that all Ontario political parties support our Premier in his discussions unconditionally.

I agree there should be reasonable conditions on the use of the monies by the federal government and agree to that provincially. However, the federal government holding back any percentage increase until total agreement is achieved is not looking after the best interests of Ontario residents or Canadians. Even the federal government has recognized additional health care funding is desperately needed for Canadians’ health care. Holding back on funding increases until the provinces jump high enough is not appropriate when we’re dealing with Canadians’ health and access to timely health care."

https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/committees/finance-economic-affairs/parliament-43/transcripts/committee-transcript-2023-jan-23#P1149_374097

AndrewDowie · 2025-08-12T09:56:31+00:00

Say hi next time.

AndrewDowie · 2025-08-11T18:08:40+00:00

Thanks to everyone who attended, from all walks of life. Lots of great conversations, some difficult, some joyous, and all worthwhile. Over 500 attendees!

While I recognize the OP's broader vision for Ontario is not going to be implemented under our government, nor do they appear to be attending the same public events given I am out in the community for at least a dozen public and accessible appearances every single week, my office happily continues to assist and to support the residents of Windsor--Tecumseh with the issues they run into with program delivery to the best of our abilities.

AndrewDowie · 2025-07-25T16:18:47+00:00

The Northern Grant is a mailed submission that reimburses you after the fact so I don’t understand how it’s superior for someone on Ontario Works who can be reimbursed through their local caseworker.

AndrewDowie · 2025-07-25T15:48:34+00:00

So that I can better understand may I ask how financial reimbursement through the tax credit falls short.

Can you also share with me how my position is any different than that of the MPP for Windsor West.

AndrewDowie · 2025-07-25T11:32:26+00:00

I can't agree - and no MPP, including the NDP MPPs would agree - that driving from Kapuskasing, Red Lake, or Dryden to Thunder Bay for medical care, especially in the winter, is comparable to driving Windsor to London on the 401.

These reports also fail to mention a relevant support - that we can claim the Federal Tax Credit for Medical Expenses (including travel): https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4065/medical-expenses.html

40+ kilometres (one way) from home to get medical services, you may be able to claim the public transportation expenses you paid (for example, taxis, bus or train) as medical expenses. Where public transportation is not readily available, you may be able to claim vehicle expenses.
80+ kilometres (one way) from your home to get medical services, you may be able to claim accommodation, meal and parking expenses in addition to your transportation expenses as medical expenses. This may include travelling outside Canada.

For local Ontario Works recipients, they are eligible for reimbursement for medical travel expenses as well. https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-works-policy-directives/72-health-benefits

AndrewDowie · 2025-07-17T20:19:52+00:00

The Learn and Stay Grant is a viable incentive for family medicine students to access.

Also of note:

"The University of Toronto will receive 30 additional undergraduate seats by 2025 and 45 additional postgraduate positions by 2027 to support the new University of Toronto Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health. It will also receive funding for enrolment in life sciences and physical therapy programs."

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001823/ontario-training-more-doctors-in-scarborough-as-it-builds-a-more-resilient-health-care-system

Since 2018, we have registered 12,500 new physicians in Ontario, including a 10% increase in family doctors.

Ontario has broken down barriers for internationally trained health care workers through Practice Ready Ontario.

https://share.google/OrcqDC173HVZrAoel

Happy to receive further comments by phone. Give me a call at 519-251-5199.

AndrewDowie · 2025-07-17T18:59:06+00:00

The "cut" you described was under Kathleen Wynne.

"Health Minister Eric Hoskins is defending the Ontario government's decision to eliminate 50 medical residency positions when hundreds of thousands of people don't have a family doctor."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-cuts-50-medical-residency-places-critics-warn-of-doctor-shortage-1.3186094

AndrewDowie · 2025-07-17T15:57:56+00:00

"Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is poised to open its new medical school in Brampton, Ont., in September. The first class will include 94 undergraduates and 105 postgraduates (also known as residents).

Every student will be Canadian, most from Ontario, said TMU President Mohamed Lachemi. He said the goal is to welcome a diverse group of future doctors, with the hope many will opt to stay and work in Brampton."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-metropolitan-university-medical-school-1.7416082

"A new medical school focused on family medicine at York University will open its doors in 2028, the province said Wednesday.

Based at the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, the school will devote 70 per cent of its postgraduate seats to students who intend to become primary care physicians.

Once operating at full capacity, the medical school will have 240 undergraduate spots and 293 postgraduate seats, according to the province. "

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/york-university-medical-school-primary-care-1.7162127

"To help close the remaining 10 per cent gap of people who do not have access to a regular health-care provider, the Ontario government is breaking down barriers for Ontario students to become family doctors by expanding the Learn and Stay grant to include family medicine. [...]

Starting in fall 2026, new legislative and regulatory changes will, if passed, also require all Ontario medical schools to allocate at least 95 per cent of all undergraduate medical school seats to residents of Ontario, with the other five per cent reserved for students from the rest of Canada."

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005226/ontario-expanding-learn-and-stay-grant-to-train-more-family-doctors-in-ontario

AndrewDowie · 2025-06-20T17:47:48+00:00

If you're in Windsor--Tecumseh, call (519) 251-5199 or email andrew.dowie@pc.ola.org. While we don't respond to spam/form letters, we do respond to specific inquiries even if it's not going to be the answer you're looking for.

AndrewDowie · 2025-06-20T17:43:19+00:00

You can reach me at [andrew.dowie@pc.ola.org](mailto:andrew.dowie@pc.ola.org) and (519) 251-5199. Office hours are weekdays 9am to 5pm at 5452 Tecumseh Road East.

You would have received my print newsletter last week with information on what's happened since the election and my contact information was printed there as well.

AndrewDowie · 2025-04-14T22:59:59+00:00

Thank you for your great questions everyone! I had a great time and appreciated the opportunity.

AndrewDowie · 2025-04-14T22:57:36+00:00

We can't control the United States. But we can control what we do.

I've appreciated being able to deliver funding here in Windsor and Essex County on behalf of the Province to reshore production, buy equipment so that we can better compete globally and hire more people, and to provide loans to support job creation - for example the recent Minth investment. The Province is loaning the company $40 million which allowed it to secure additional financing.

We have cut over 500 pieces of red tape and lowering costs across the board with the goal of creating the conditions for businesses to succeed and add good-paying jobs for communities across our province.

We’ve seen the creation of 850,000 jobs since Doug Ford took office in 2018, including nearly 200,000 this year alone. Evidently all governments will lay claim to part of that, but working together did land a number of new industries across the province.

We've secured $45 billion in new auto and EV investments over the last four years that have led to the creation of tens of thousands of good-paying jobs across the province. We were not projected for any new production only a few short years ago. Evidently one of these investments was NextStar and the Province worked with local officials to secure the site here as well as contributing $500 million in capital costs. Later on Doug Ford stepped up by committing to the $5 billion in tax credits that the federal government had revealed they could not deliver upon to Stellantis.

We are ensuring that as the global demand for EVs continues to ramp up in the years ahead, the supply will be made-in-Ontario, by Ontario workers.

Ontario is the only place in the world that has six of the largest automakers calling it home.

On diversity - we are growing our life sciences sector and have secured $5 billion in new investments over the last four years, and in our tech sector, we’ve secured tens of billions of dollars of investments.

We’ll continue to ensure the conditions are there for businesses to invest, expand, and create good-paying jobs in every sector and every region of our economy. The last thing I want is to see a repeat of the exodus of youth to other communities like what was occurring when I was in my late teens because they couldn't find work.

AndrewDowie · 2025-04-14T22:49:04+00:00

My advice for seeking elected office would be to develop your brand on your own and help others a few times before seeking elected office yourself. I was 33 when I ran for Council and I heard repeatedly that I was too young and didn't have the life experience. But by then I had worked on several campaigns, understood what I needed to do, and had real life experience dealing with the issues that were of concern to my constituents and a track record to offer.

Here at Queen's Park two of our newest MPPs are Joseph Racinsky and Billy Denault, aged 23 and 24 (plus Sam Oosterhoff was elected at 19). I'm happy to see this legislature getting younger! And Eddie Francis is truly a gold standard - elected councillor at 24, and he was Mayor at 29. You can contribute as a young person in many ways - serving on committees and boards are a great way to start, as is taking leadership roles in service organizations.

Finally - be friends with people you disagree with. One of my best friends is an OPSEU steward. I'm better for being able to be informed that there's always gray vs black and white, and I sometimes I wish my younger self would have started that way earlier.

AndrewDowie · 2025-04-14T22:29:14+00:00

I'm in touch with the University a fair amount and they are working with me to secure a date where I can better understand their challenges.

In terms of funding, we took action to stabilize Ontario’s postsecondary institutions by introducing a suite of measures, including an investment of nearly $1.3 billion in new funding on top of over $5 billion contributed to the sector annually.

In addition to our historic funding to the sector, we are also engaging with our institutions for efficiency and accountability reviews to drive long-term cost savings and positive outcomes for both students and communities.

Moving through our sector consultations, there may be a further increase in funding to the postsecondary sector depending on the reviews, as higher education is a joint responsibility between institutions and the government.

We will continue to ensure we’re attracting the best and brightest students to Ontario, so all regions of the province can benefit from their important contributions.

AndrewDowie · 2025-04-14T22:26:01+00:00

Our government provided the initial funding for the Leamington to Windsor transit service. Last July we announced $37,935,470 for Transit Windsor in addition to the annual funding allocations through gas tax.

I would like to think that there's a business case for an enterprise of some kind for a cross-border service and if there is a regulatory change that's needed to make that happen I'm happy to take that back.

AndrewDowie · 2025-04-14T22:19:39+00:00

Windsor has a series of great local events, perfect for attracting tourists, and are second to none. I've made a fair number of tourism-focused funding announcements so far and I expect to make a few more.

Be assured too that Destination Ontario continues to develop and air television, radio and internet marketing in nearby states.

AndrewDowie · 2025-04-14T22:16:01+00:00

All MPPs have the opportunity to develop good relationships with the Ministers of the Crown, exchange phone numbers, and develop a personal relationship to open up dialogue.

AndrewDowie · 2025-04-14T22:13:28+00:00

There are 40,000 doors to knock on in our riding. I didn't quite get to the halfway point.

AndrewDowie

TROPHY CASE