Please tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are qualified to serve as MPP.
I was born and raised in Leamington, where I continue to live with my wife, Najet, and our three sons.
I served as an OPP officer before transitioning to a leadership role in agribusiness. Growing up in a farming and food-processing hub, I developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities for our community and for Ontario.
In 2022, I was elected MPP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington, where I’ve proven to be an effective advocate for farmers, health care, and public safety.
I’ve had the privilege to serve as Parliamentary Assistant in agriculture and economic development, and in June 2024 I was appointed as the first Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response in Ontario.
What are the most pressing issues facing Chatham-Kent in your riding?
The message at the doors has been crystal clear—families are worried about the cost of living and the threat that Trump’s tariffs pose to our community. I’ve heard a lot of support for how Doug Ford has stood up for Ontario, and how the PCs have fought to keep life affordable.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs are designed to hurt our economy and undermine our workers while putting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods at risk. Things have never been more uncertain. Our community needs a government that will use every tool in our toolbox to protect our workers, businesses, and families, and keep life more affordable.
How will you address the growing discontent that’s led to petitions seeking de-amalgamation in Chatham-Kent?
Our PC team recognizes municipalities, community engagement and local voices are essential in every decision we make. We are proud to have one of the most accessible premiers in our province’s history.
As your MPP, I am also always available to talk to any resident.
How can the provincial government better address the homeless issue?
Our PC team shares municipal leaders’ concerns about the need to keep our children, families, and communities safe. We are using every tool we have to clear encampments and restore safety to public spaces while enhancing mental-health support and keeping the most vulnerable members of our society safe and housed.
Through the Homelessness Prevention Program, we are investing $700 million each year to support municipalities deliver programs to address homelessness that best meet local needs.
This is in addition to the $75.5 million we are providing to communities to provide vulnerable Ontarians with appropriate short-term and long-term housing alternatives to encampments.
We are also building 27 new Homelessness Addictions Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, to deliver responsive, comprehensive mental health services, addiction care, social services, and supportive housing.
If elected, what will you do to best represent your constituents?
If re-elected, I will continue providing exceptional, accessible service while advocating for our community’s needs, especially protecting manufacturing and food production jobs. I’ll also focus on increasing the housing supply through investments in municipal infrastructure like water, roads, and affordable power while supporting faster development processes.
Together, we’ve secured historic investments, including a $60-million Children’s Treatment Centre, an Erie Shores Healthcare MRI, nearly $13 million for municipal infrastructure, hospital renewals, emergency preparedness grants, and major investments in police services to keep our communities safe.
