Toronto – A new poll reveals that Ontario has faith and trust in public services – more than three out of four Ontarians want a post-pandemic economic recovery built on investment in strong public services and the front-line workers who provide them.
“Now more than ever, folks know the value of strong, responsive public services,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “In a world now painfully aware of inequality, public services are the great equalizer. I couldn’t be more proud of the role our members have played to keep Ontarians safe.
“Ontarians recognize that the front-line heroes who are keeping our public services operating are vital not just to our physical health, but to our economic health,” said Thomas. “They know we need to invest in public services that get us all back to work. Putting more money into public services is one of the best economic stimulus packages we can put together.”
The poll of 1,017 Ontarians – conducted by Nanos Research between May 24 and 27 – found that 76 per cent agree or somewhat agree that “maintaining public services and public service jobs is an important way to support the economy and keep people employed.” The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
The poll also covered a range of other topics including the priorities government should set, the ways government should tackle the rising deficit, and the changing impression people have of front-line workers. OPSEU will be releasing more results over the next five days.
“Many people have said that we can’t go back to the old normal after we’ve got COVID-19 under control,” said OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida. “This poll shows how true that really is.
“It’s like a playbook for politicians hoping to get re-elected after we’re through the worst,” said Almeida. “And here’s a spoiler: if you try to campaign on austerity and cuts to public services or the workers who provide them, you’re going to lose.”
For more information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas 613-329-1931