Please tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are qualified to serve as MPP.
I am a school board trustee. This role has given me the ability to continue to be passionate for my community, hold the system accountable and advocate for families through policy.
It has deepened my understanding of the importance of schools to small and rural communities, and what the provincial government needs to do to properly support children and families.
I am also a mom to five fantastic children. This alone gives me an edge because it means that I have all the traits moms of many have, such as multi-tasking, listening, advocating, understanding, and a touch of feisty.
What are the most pressing issues facing Chatham-Kent in your riding?
The most pressing issues facing Chatham-Kent are the threat of tariffs, lack of affordable housing, the crisis in our health-care system.
How will you address the growing discontent that’s led to petitions seeking de-amalgamation in Chatham-Kent?
Last year, the Ontario NDP put forward our plan to invest in strong and caring communities by delivering a new deal for municipalities.
Our plan includes a commitment to reverse decades of unfair provincial downloads and funding cuts. This means reuploading provincial financial responsibility for affordable housing, shelters, and homelessness prevention programs, while maintaining locally focused delivery by municipal service managers.
This also includes the restoration of 50-per-cent provincial funding for municipal transit net operational costs. We are committed to working in partnership with municipalities to build strong and caring communities and a stronger economy.
How can the provincial government better address the homeless issue?
After seven long years, Doug Ford’s legacy is encampments in every single town and city in our province. To end chronic homelessness, the Ontario NDP will create 60,000 new supportive housing units, allowing people living in encampments or the shelter system to move into a safe, permanent home, while connecting them to mental health care, addiction treatment and other ongoing supports.
This commitment is part of our broader Homes Ontario plan to build hundreds of thousands of permanently affordable homes in the coming years. We will also upload shelter funding to the province. The NDP has a viable plan to end chronic homelessness.
If elected, what will you do to best represent your constituents?
I am committed to being a strong voice at Queen’s Park and advocating for the needs of resident in communities across Chatham-Kent. I will always be available to listen to constituents and do everything I can to help them with their specific needs. I will continuously meet with community partners to address local needs.
