Navdeep Bains talks investment in economy, health, education during Sudbury visit

Former Liberal MP now running for provincial leadership, says Ford government has ‘abandoned the fight’ for residents

Article content With a yellow haze hanging above Greater Sudbury and the smell of smoke in the air on Wednesday morning, Navdeep Bains’ heart went out to the Northern and Indigenous communities being impacted by the wildfires burning to the west of the Nickel City. “I feel for the families who have to leave their homes,” said the Ontario Liberal Party leadership candidate, reached during a stop in Sudbury. “It’s a very scary and dire situation.

Recommended Videos “It’s so important to acknowledge the firefighters and the first responders and especially the volunteers, for helping to step up and deal with these wildfires. It’s about communities, it’s about families and it’s about people and supporting one another.” Whether it’s during the dry heat of forest fire season or in the dead of winter, Bains wants Northerners of all walks of life to feel like the provincial government has their backs during difficult times — something he believes is lacking under the Premier Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservatives.

A longtime former MP for Mississauga—Brampton South and then for Mississauga—Malton who was minister of innovation, science and industry from 2015 to 2021 and also served as the minister responsible for FedNor, Bains is one of four candidates seeking to replace Bonnie Crombie as provincial Liberal leader come November, along with current MPP Lee Fairclough, financial technology engineer and housing advocate Eric Lombardi, and veteran policy advisor Dylan Marando. Crombie announced her resignation in January. “Not only in Sudbury, but I was in Sault Ste.

Marie and Elliot Lake and I’m going to Sturgeon Falls and North Bay and Timmins and Kapuskasing, and it’s a great opportunity to actually listen,” Bains told The Sudbury Star. “I’m not here to lecture and I’m not here to opine on what I know. I want to share my vision and I want to share my hope for this province, including the North, but I’m really here just to listen and learn from folks on the ground and it has been very positive that way.

People are stepping up and sharing their stories — not only talking about the challenges, but also the solutions, which is heartwarming.” Much like their southern counterparts, he said Northerners are “working hard, showing up and doing their part, and they’re falling further and further behind.” “That’s because the government has abandoned the fight to do the things they should be focused on, which is creating opportunities for folks, particularly when it comes to the economy and the affordability challenges that we’re seeing, as well as the job market, the overall economic challenges we’re also facing as a province,” Bains said.

“And then, of course, also healthcare and education and also public safety — those are issues that come up time and time again, as well. “Those are areas where a government should step up and do more. That’s the deal I want to restore and that includes the North.”

With the right investments by the provincial government, he envisions a bright future for Northern Ontario and also for Sudbury, a city whose “best days, in my opinion, are ahead of it.” “I had a meeting last night with a number of folks here locally and it boils down to the fact they want the supports so they can have the skills and they can have the jobs that will let them live a good, quality life,” Bains said. “I believe no matter where we are in the province and particularly in the North, investing in people is so important.

It’s about developing talent here locally, it’s about attracting talent and retaining talent. “If you don’t invest in people and give them the skills and the tools and the ability to succeed, everything else is secondary.” He recalled a conversation on Tuesday with a local nurse who spoke of the difficulties caused by cuts to OSAP and said she was now struggling to finish her studies and pursue a career.

“That puts her back months or potentially years,” Bains said. “How is that good for our healthcare system? How is that good for our economy?

How is that good for the family that’s trying to make ends meet? These decisions the current Conservative government and Doug Ford have made demonstrate they are out of touch and that they’re not focusing on the priorities and concerns people are raising across the province, including the North.” Certainly, another front-of-mind issue and one that ties in with several of those listed above is the stalling of upgrades to transportation infrastructure across the region.

It has been a particularly deadly year on the two-lane stretches of Highway 69, with at least nine deaths reported so far. Bains, who made several trips back and forth from southern Ontario to Sudbury during his time in federal politics, said “it makes no sense that we still have not completed Highway 69,” and he would prioritize twinning those remaining sections if elected. “Public safety matters, first and foremost,” he said.

“These are people’s lives that are at risk because of 69 and I can tell you right now, that’s unacceptable. Secondly, because of the economic opportunities in presents, as well. When you expand that corridor, it saves lives and it allows for the flow of goods and people in a more timely manner, which is good for the local economy and good for the North.

“It’s not only Highway 69. It’s Highway 17, as well — they’ve got to get that up and running. Enough with the excuses, enough with the announcements.

Let’s get to work and get this done as soon as possible.” By making such investments, he believes the province will only enhance the potential of the different industries and opportunities that are emerging as the region continues to diversify its economy. As the minister overseeing FedNor, Bains noted, he increased the agency’s budget by over $50 million to support institutions including Laurentian University and Cambrian College.

“These institutions, now more than ever, need to be in a position where they can stabilize and grow and invest in people and the skills they need. What we’re seeing is the opposite under the Ford government. We’re seeing cuts to education, cuts to healthcare and not only is that going to hurt our communities and the people who live there, but that’s going to hurt the economy.”

After finishing third in three straight elections, Bains believes the Ontario Liberals are primed for a breakthrough with an electorate that has an appetite for change. “People are tired of this government,” he said. “This government has run out of ideas, run out of gas, and this premier in particular is out of touch.”

He pointed to a new scandal over questionable hotel expenses claimed by PC cabinet ministers, as well as the recent controversy over Ford’s purchase of a private jet, as further proof the government has overstayed its welcome after eight years in power. “It hasn’t worked out,” Bains said. “It has been a real struggle for a lot of folks.

“We as Liberals are going to be positive and forward-looking. We’re not simply going to talk about what we’re against, but what we’re for. When people see a clear alternative, one focused on solutions, one focused on ideas, one focused on the needs and concerns and what folks are talking about, then I believe we’re in a strong position to earn their respect, their trust and their vote.”

For more information on Bains, his leadership campaign and links to his social channels, visit navdeepbains.ca. X: @Ben__leeson Bluesky: @benjaminleeson.bsky.social Instagram/Threads: @ben_leeson