Please tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are qualified to serve as MPP.
I was born in Chatham-Kent and I’ve learned the values of running a small business from a young age as I grew up in my family’s successful building supply company in Chatham. My deep roots for local business fuels my passion for supporting our communities.
I raised two established, adult children with my co-parent. I also served for over 25 years in church lay ministry, 17 years on a youth sports board, and since 2022, as a Chatham-Kent municipal councillor.
We are facing tariffs and our economy is in a downturn. As fiscal conservative, I cannot understand how a so-called Conservative government has got us to this point.
What are the most pressing issues facing Chatham-Kent in your riding?
Locally, we face a homeless, addictions and mental-health crisis and a need for affordable housing. Since the responsibility to deal with these issues is downloaded on municipalities, we need help because municipalities don’t have the resources to deal with these issues on their own.
Ford promised to end “hallway health care,” but we now have the worst health care problems in history.
How will you address the growing discontent that led to petitions seeking de-amalgamation in Chatham-Kent?
While I am torn on this, I believe the people and communities of Chatham-Kent are stronger together. I know the 1998 amalgamation is not perfect and the results are what we face now. I know people feel their voices are not being heard.
If elected, I will advocate for local communities at the provincial level. If there was a de-amalgamation plan that could be carried out effectively, I would support constituents in this.
How can the provincial government better address the homeless issue?
We need more provincial funding to deal with the homeless and encampment issues. Ford has discussed using the notwithstanding clause to remove homeless individuals from encampments, but that will solve nothing, other than moving the problem without addressing root causes.
If elected, what will you do to best represent your constituents?
I will be a visible advocate for my constituents, just like I am now. I hope to be an effective voice for C-K-L at Queen’s Park. Unfortunately, our current MPPs don’t have the freedom to vote against or speak (respectfully) against our premier, or they could be ejected from the PC party. I wouldn’t have to worry about that.
