Feature ArticleNovember 7, 2001
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Dombrowsky sees good times ahead for Ontario Liberalsby Jeff GreenLeona Dombrowsky called herself the walking woman in the last provincial election, but she more closely resembles a long distance runner these days, as she prepares to seek the liberal nomination for the next election, even if it could be three or more years away.
As a sitting MPP, Dombrowsky has been no stranger to the small outposts of her vast riding, and when she addressed the local Liberal riding association in Sharbot Lake on October 26, it was her second visit to the village in October.
If the bounce in her step on this occasion is an indication of anything, Ontario Liberals are thrilled with the recent decision by Tory Premier Mike Harris to resign. She pointed to voters familiarity with Harris, saying Like him or not, Mike Harris certainly is a recognized name throughout Ontario, and the new leader will not have that recognition factor. His removal makes [Liberal Leader] Dalton McGinty the longest serving provincial leader.
She also said, While the election may be a long time away, my colleagues and I are ready for an election much sooner than that. In fact, we would like to get out there right now, get it over with, and move on from there.
Leona Dombrowsky has only been an MPP for a half term, but she has distinguished herself for her energetic constituency work, and has been appointed as the Liberal critic for childrens issues. She is listed on the party web site as a member of the so-called shadow cabinet.
As
critic, Dombrowsky has taken the government to task for not having a
ministry devoted exclusively to children, as had been the case in the
past, and for being slow to take up an offer of millions of dollars in
federal money for children. She also questions the way in which the
latest provincial initiative for children, the Challenge Fund, is set
up. I have a problem with the Challenge Fund, she says,
because it requires matching fundraising for any group to access
it, which is very difficult in rural areas that dont have large
businesses that can contribute large sums of money.
The Challenge Fund is a pool of money made available by the province for projects relating to children. In rural areas, groups must raise 25% of their needs, and the Fund will provide the rest.
When asked for specifics on what she would do if she were appointed Minister of the Child under a future Liberal government, Dombrowsky responded by asking rhetorically, Do I have all the ideas, or all the answers as to what a really effective ministry of the child would look like? No, but I do know that the structures that are in place for children are like silos. They are isolated from each other. Various ministries provide services, but there is a lack of coordination between them. In other provinces, there are ministries devoted to children which provide a sort of one-stop shopping for childrens services. There is no question that it would require resources to set up such a ministry in Ontario, but it is essential.
While there is a great difference between the shadow and the actual cabinet, it is clear that Leona Dombrowsky hopes to make that transition after the next election.
