Kathryn Yule Your Island New Democratic representative for District 22 - Summerside - South Drive
My name is Kathryn Yule. I was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan where my parents farmed. I received my degree in Business Administration – Accounting and held a variety of accounting positions in Regina, Saskatoon and Summerside, when I moved to PEI. As well, I held the treasurer position at Trinity United Church in Summerside for several years. After visiting family on the Island, I loved being close to the water and fell in love with the beauty and peacefulness of the island and moved here in January 1997.
I inherited a love of music and have played an Alto Horn / Mellophone in concert and brass bands in Regina and Saskatoon. While with the Regina Lions Adult Band, we, along with the other levels of bands, produced a record “Regina’s Pride In Concert”. Most recently, I played with the handbell choir at Trinity United Church in Summerside.
Over the years, I have advocated and lobbied for the rights of Persons With Disabilities of all ages. It was while lobbying with the PSAC for a fairer Disability Insurance Policy rehabilitation program to be negotiated between Treasury Board and Sun Life that I met Michelle Neill. Michelle was very understanding how the struggles I and others in the federal public service were being discriminated against. She encouraged and supported me in lobbying at a PSAC disability conference for changes. A couple of years later my dream for all public servants to have equality in tough times came true.
A survey in 2007, reported 16.3% of the population on PEI had a disability. Seniors had the highest disability rate at 35.6% of the disabled PEI population. Much more can be done on PEI to make it more inclusive and accessible. I would like to use my lobbying and advocating experience to advocate on behalf of all Islanders with disabilities to ensure they have an experienced vote at the table.
I believe we need to start by upholding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities for equality, inclusion, and accessibility in a world of ableism that people take for granted. Many children and adults with disabilities face exclusion and marginalization from parts of society. As an amputee since the age of three, I understand the challenges children and adults with disabilities and the families that support them face everyday. I will work hard to ensure programs are developed that remove the barriers restricting the life choices of people with disabilities and address the inequities they face, so they can thrive on PEI along with all Islanders.
I believe Michelle Neill’s leadership and understanding of the struggles Islanders are facing every day that she will fight for “A Better Deal for Islanders”.
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Fighting for you
Life is getting harder for everyday Islanders. Our health care system is on the brink – hospitals are understaffed and closing, and vital health services are at risk of being sold off to private companies. The cost of living is growing far more rapidly than families’ paycheques, leaving many worried about paying for gas, food and housing.
Things have gotten worse under Conservative and Liberal governments. Underfunding of our health care system has resulted in ER closures, hallway medicine, and unacceptable emergency and long-term care wait times. It’s not good enough for the government to stand by while Islanders are stressed about affording medical prescriptions and dental care.
People are tired of promising one thing during an election and doing the opposite after. It’s time to stop that.
If we want a future, we have to make different choices. Islanders deserve a better deal, and New Democrats are prepared to deliver it. Together, we can make practical changes that make life more affordable for everyone – no matter where you live.
New Democrats will fight for improved health care services and for us, cuts are not on the table. We’ll make sure that government works for all Islanders, making our province a more attractive place to live, work and raise a family.
When it comes to better jobs, protecting the environment and investing in strong public health care and education, New Democrats are fighting for you.