It was a packed house at the Cobourg Legion on Sunday, January 21, 2024 for Northumberland – Peterborough South MPP David Piccini’s levee.
Piccini welcomed guests from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Legion Hall on Orr Street.
Today’s Northumberland caught up with Piccini looking back at 2023 and forward to this year.
Piccini said it’s important to have events like the New Year’s Levee so he can meet with the people and hear their concerns.
Looking back he says about the new seniors centre and rec centre in Campbellford, big base funding for new hospital in Campbellford, community paramedicene doing drop-ins to help avoid pressure in the emergency rooms.
Looking forward to 2024, Piccini added that he notified Port Hope Police they were successful on a funding announcement.
Cobourg works closely on a number of different grants including embedded nursing, mental health professionals riding with officers.
“You can’t police your way alone out of this issue, but crime alone is a big issue and we’re focusing on that. The revolving door of justice and the weakening criminal code federally is something we’ve got to fix.”
In 2023 the province increased funding by 50% to Northumberland County for homelessness.
“Obviously we want to know where all the dollars are going. Working together with County Council, with the County staff to make sure we’re supporting people.”
As Minister of Labour, Piccinii said it’s about getting people a job.
“The status quo isn’t working and people have a right to feel safe in their community. To walk with loved ones and feel safe. So we’re going to be focussing on that squarely in the year ahead.”