Toronto, ON
The 2018 Ontario election is fast approaching, and with it, the political promises are ramping up.
At an event in Toronto on Saturday, New Democrats from across Ontario gave leader Andrea Horwath a heroes welcome.
She promised to give them plenty in return.
Horwath, 55, and leader of the party since 2009, told a roaring crowd that if elected, an NDP government would offer pharmacare and dental care for all, as well as converting student loans into grants.
Her next announcement raised some eyebrows.
"When a New Democratic government is elected this spring, as Premier I will make sure that every Ontarian is provided with their own kitten," said Horwath.
"We have far too many strays and unwanted cats that are wasting away in our shelters and homes; as Ontarians we can do better."
Horwath also stated that the kitten initiative was part of her party's plan to improve the mental health system in the province.
"We have a mental health crisis in Ontario, with thousands of people suffering and too few doctors and resources to help them. Studies have repeatedly shown that cat-owners are at least 42% less depressed, and that simply petting a cat regularly can reduce anxiety by as much as 83%."
Reactions to Horwath's announcement were mixed.
"This is fantastic news both for our cat population as well as for Ontarians," said Martha Tomlinson, executive director at Bloor Street Animal Aid in Toronto. "Currently we are overrun with kitties just looking for a decent home."
Nicholas Stanson, a party member for 25 years, confessed that he was underwhelmed by the announcement. "I'm more of a dog person. If Andrea had said everyone was getting a Jack Russell, that would have been different."
Ontarians are expected to head to the polls in early June.
From Our Toronto Bureau
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