We asked you: How about those $200 Ontario cheques in the mail?

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Some people think they’re an attempt to buy votes. Others see it as found money. We asked some Londoners what they make of those $200 cheques Ontario’s PC government promised last fall, to help deal with higher living costs, and which are landing in mailboxes now in the throes of an early provincial election.

Monica Codd, retiree

“He (Premier Doug Ford) should have put it (the money) into better use. There’s so much that needs to be done. It’s nice to have $200 and I can buy groceries for myself. But for someone less fortunate, they can’t do much. He wasted the money but they want our vote.”

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Steve Cordes, who runs a non-profit agency

“I don’t like the idea of it. I think it costs the government a lot of money. I feel like it’s a vote-buy. I’d rather they put this money into something that will improve Ontarians’ lives, whether it’s health care, education or social services.”

Jo Michielsen, retired

“This is just for the election so he can stay in power. It’s a really mixed-up time for a lot of people.”

Bhan Mudliar, owner of The New Delhi Deli at Covent Garden Market

“They (the government) should keep that money reserved, especially with the (threatened) tariffs from the U.S., to save this country and the people. If they (people) need it (the money), they should apply. If Doug Ford gives money, it doesn’t mean he’s going to get a vote.”

Ken Hall, who runs an insurance company

“A lot of Canadians are fed up with being bribed by tax money. Recirculating this money into the public is very inefficient, rather than just creating tax laws to keep money in the hands of people that need it. . . . Don’t try to look like the heroes – all they’re doing is wasting our money. It’s just another example of politicians, federal and provincial, attempting to bribe us with our own tax money.”

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Londoner Samantha Hitchins

“It would have helped me if I got it, but I haven’t yet. I’m on ODSP (the Ontario Disability Support Program), so it would go to pay bills, groceries and necessities. It’s like a little bribe because his elections are coming up to get people to vote for him.”

Christopher Bettridge, also on the Ontario Disability Support Program

“That’s our money. Why do we have to jump through hoops to get it? What does $200 do nowadays? The price of groceries is still sky-high. I’m literally starving. It makes it sound nice like he (Ford) is giving us something back.”

Jenn Jack, owner of Magpie’s Collected Creations

“I think it’s an exercise in paying for votes. The money would have been better off on affordable housing or proper health care. Are they giving those $200 to make it feel good for you, versus what we actually need in affordable housing? This doesn’t give people the basic needs and doesn’t meet the cost of inflation.”

Gar Bear, retiree

“It’s probably the only thing they (the government) have done in our favour. I’ll donate it to the homeless. I never thought of much of a big thing coming from him (Ford). It’s too little, too late.”

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Caleb Heddle, who works in a call centre, and Joan Brennan, retired

“The money is open bribery. It’s almost old-fashioned. My point of view is that this has to do with the snap election coming. And it doesn’t influence my point of view about Doug Ford or the election whatsoever. It doesn’t change where I was going to vote.” – Heddle

“This is definitely a bribe and it’s definitely got to do with the election. It doesn’t have anything to do with aiding and abetting what’s good for people long term. The fact he’s giving it out to everybody, rich or poor? Give me a break.” – Brennan

bbaleeiro@postmedia.com

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