The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the local shortcomings in healthcare.

That’s the opinion of Thunder Bay-Atikokan member of provincial parliament Judith Monteith-Farrell, who made a point later in 2021 to put the spotlight on mental health and addiction help for her constituents.

“We know and really can see how desperately our community needs more resources in that area and so it really became the focus of my attention for a large part of last year,” added Monteith-Farrell.

The member also pushed forward Bill 144, which looks to improve the Northern Health Travel Grant (NHTG).

“There are concerns about the environment, with the (forest) fires really bringing that home this summer,” noted Monteith-Farrell, when asked about other issues in 2021. “I’d also say the state of post-secondary education. Our small universities and colleges in Northern Ontario require more support, which isn’t something that is common knowledge but I know people up here think about it a lot.”

You will be voting provincially in 2022 as the election is scheduled to happen on or before June 2nd.

Monteith-Farrell noted outdoor gatherings will be a significant part of campaigning.

“Door knocking can be done fairly safely,” Monteith-Farrell mentioned. “People are tired, really want change and I think that’s going to be an exciting time to have an election to really listen to what people need going forward.”

Judith Monteith-Farrell was first elected in June 7, 2018 and will run again for the NDP.