Liberal platform will take time to benefit Windsor

The Ontario Liberals have officially unveiled their platform, which promises similar things seen in the budget they tabled earlier this month.

But, what does does the plan offer people here in Windsor?

Windsor-Tecumseh Liberal candidate Jason Dupuis said his main plan for residents includes jobs, health care and early childhood education.

Nothing is going to happen right away.- Jason Dupuis,. Windsor-Tecumseh Liberal candidate

"That's the first thing I would fight for, because I understand how important that plan is to our city and to the growth of our economy," he said.

Essex PC candidate Ray Cecile says he also wants to help Chrysler create jobs but not through government grants.

"Windsor still has an 8.4 per cent unemployment rate, so that prove that corporate welfare, or hand-me-downs doesn't work," he said.

Cecile said the Conservatives will cut electricity costs instead and reduce corporate taxes so Chrysler won't have to ask the province to for help in the future.

University of Windsor students feel overlooked

There's another Liberal promise that's facing criticism.

Some students at the University of Windsor feel overlooked because Western University's business school would get millions of dollars for new research in manufacturing.

"It's not a fair advantage to give one school funding and and help out the other school because there's potential everywhere you go," said Vincent Colussi.

Others say smaller schools are the ones that need the help because there aren't as many big donors.

Dupuis said the Liberals would help university students through a 30 per cent tuition grant.

But, Cecile says that's something the province just can't afford. "We have to help them in that, no one will be turned down for the current grants that are there now. It's just that we have to make sure people can afford life again," he said.

Health care promises

Dupuis also plans to push for the new mega-hospital and improvements to early childhood education, but admits it will take time before any of these promises actually materialize.

"Nothing is going to happen right away," said Dupuis. "Everyone is hoping for that quick fix and it's just not realistic."

Here are highlights from the Ontario Liberal platform:

• $2.5 billion "Jobs and Prosperity Fund" for agri-business and auto sector
• Funding for the Trillium Advanced Manufacturing Network at Western University's Ivey School of Business
• Four-lane highways in the north
• Increase in number of apprenticeships
• Invest in high-speed rail from Toronto through to London
• Environmental assessment/business case for high-speed rail to Windsor