Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp appeared on CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show Tuesday, speaking about what his first few months as the region’s representative at Queen’s Park have been like.
He said it’s been a whirlwind few months and a steep learning curve since he won a by-election to replace Todd Smith in September.
Allsopp reflected on his first moments at Queen’s Park.
“It’s a very humbling experience. It’s something that I’ve been very grateful for because I recognize that this is a big deal. And to have, you know, the hopes of your community sort of on your back and having that great responsibility to represent everyone. It really did hit me that morning as I was sworn in.”
During some of his first member’s statements at the legislature, Allsopp says he focussed on local successes including the region’s Elevate Plus program, Operation Red Nose, and the Quinte Business Achievement Awards.
When it comes to some of the issues the region and province face, Allsopp says he has hit the ground running to get up to speed.
He continues to lobby for more provincial investment in the Bridge Hub currently under construction in the City of Belleville.
Allsopp has met with the Ministers of Health and Mental Health and Addictions to discuss why the Bridge – a model similar to the proposed HART Hubs that the province will establish in several communities is so important to Belleville.
“Really kind of laying the groundwork for them on why we have so many issues, the social determinants of health that exist in the area. Lower than average incomes, lower than average education levels, higher rates of teen pregnancy, and historical under-funding in the mental health and addictions space.”
Allsopp says members of the ministries have told him they understand the need and they want to help, but funding announcements aren’t ready to be made yet.
He expects to hear something in the new year.
Allsopp says the Ford government is ready to lead the fight against the United States and Donald Trump’s threat to slap a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods.
He added there is $500 billion in bilateral trade between Ontario and the US annually and the tariffs will only hurt both sides of the border.
“Through the advertising that we’ve done, we’ve reached about 100 million Americans. We’re going to ramp that up even more in January. We’ve opened lines of communications with everyone that’s close to Donald Trump. The Premier has met with a large number of governors, state senators, you know, Republicans generally, people that will have Trump’s ear and can make the case that this is going to be a problem in my state.”
Allsopp says Ontario is the number one trading partner to 17 US states and the number two trading partner to 11 more.
Listen to the full interview below:
