By Chris Abbott
Editor
Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce, along with the Delhi Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstone Association of Realtors, hosted a Provincial Candidates Night on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at the Simcoe Legion.
“Debates play a crucial role in allowing us to understand how elected representatives will serve us,” said Renee VanKooten, President of the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce.
Primarily Norfolk County focused questions from the organizers and community were curated for the Haldimand Norfolk candidates, who did not see questions in advance. Each candidate was allowed two-minute introductions, followed by a series of questions with each candidate allowed one minute to answer, followed by an optional 30-second rebuttal or opportunity to add missed information. The event concluded in front of a jam-packed audience with a two-minute closing statements, giving everyone food for thought leading up to the Feb. 27 provincial election.
“Engaging in the electoral process is essential for a strong and informed democracy, and we encourage everyone to take part, ask questions, and most importantly – vote," said Chair-Elect Drew Hemsley, Cornerstone in advance of the Candidate Night.
The full one-hour-and-45-minutes event can be viewed on Simcoe Chamber’s YouTube page (MPP Debate 2025) https:www.youtube.com/live/vEOnOZkWwJc . Watch it in its entirety, learn what the Haldimand Norfolk candidates stand for and what they will do at Queen’s Park for their riding.
All registered Haldimand Norfolk candidates were invited. Attending were Amy Martin (Progressive Conservative), Anna Massinen (Green), Bobbi Ann Brady (Independent), Erica Englert (NDP) and Vandan Patel (Liberal). New Blue Party candidate Garry Tanchak was unable to attend.
Introductory Remarks
NOTE: Some comments omitted in the interest of brevity. You can watch the Simcoe Chamber YouTube video for all comments.
Amy Martin (PC)
“I believe that this is the most important election in recent memory. With the continued threat of US tariffs bringing uncertainty to our economy and our livelihoods, it’s never been more important to have a strong, stable government fighting to protect Ontario. One with a strong mandate to do whatever it takes to protect our local industries like steel and agriculture that are currently under attack.
“This election is about choosing a local representative, but it’s also about choosing the next government for Ontario, the government that will be making big decisions on things that matter to you including infrastructure, healthcare, energy projects, farm support projects and programs.
“I am committed to fighting for this community. As the Mayor of Norfolk County, I have fostered a strong working relationship with Premier Ford and the provincial government. Working together, we’ve been able to secure much needed funding for infrastructure projects like the replacement of the Big Creek bridge in Long Point, all the way through to wastewater treatment plant upgrades in Port Dover. But external advocacy by a municipal leader, like myself, can only go so far. Our community needs a representative that is part of the next provincial government so we can deliver on the priorities of Haldimand Norfolk that are important to you all.
“As your MPP, I will bring the same energy that I have applied to municipal politics to ensure our local, unique voice is heard at Queen’s Park, while also helping the Premier protect Ontario.”
Anna Massinen (Green)
“I believe that with the right government, we can have a province that is affordable, and safe, and inclusive. We can have Norfolk County free of urban sprawl, a place that is prosperous – our small businesses are prosperous – where are families can afford to live.
“We have a government now that is squandering your tax dollars on things that you don’t want, things that you don’t need, like highways through the Greenbelt, and mega spas that we probably can’t afford to attend.
“Right now, in Ontario… things are as bad probably as they’ve ever been. We have 81,000 homeless people, we have more people using food banks than ever, we have a mental health and addictions crisis. We could do so much better in this rich province, in this rich country. We need a government that cares about the people – all the people, and not just lining the pockets of developers.”
Bobbi Ann Brady (Independent)
“I commend you all for being part of the democratic process and I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that I have an incredible working relationship at Queen’s Park, not only with the PCs, but with Liberal interim leader John Fraser, many of the NDP members, and of course the Green Party’s Mike Schreiner. Working together is so important to getting the best results.
“Tonight, I am the only candidate on the ballot with 25 years experience and working relationships. I am the candidate who will be accountable to only you, the tax payer.
“Nobody handed me a playbook for tonight, my answers come from 25 years of experience and working alongside you. For the past two-and-a-half years I have gone to Queen’s Park to speak up for you, and that is a threat to those who don’t want you to know that developers, special interests, lobby and corporate greed are running and ruining our province. We are in an unnecessary $185 million election where tariffs are a distraction.
“Five people have attempted to silence me over the past year – four councillors in Haldimand because I say no to a city of 40,000 at the Nanticoke Industrial Park. And of course, the Mayor, the PC candidate who has shut me out of meetings to make me look insignificant… she wants my job.
“You deserve a champion for you, someone who can pull us together, not drive us apart. Power must always be used wisely.”
Erica Englert (NDP)
“You might notice I don’t look like what you would expect a politician to look like. I am a 19-year-old criminology student with green hair. At the same time, I hope you will take the time to listen to what I have to say.
“This election, even though it is a snap election, even though it’s coming from a lot of selfish interests, is still incredibly important to follow. We have felt the impacts of the Ford government’s cuts, and the issues unique to us in rural communities. We are facing the brunt of these cuts. At the same time, our needs are being overlooked.
“Organizing, meeting people, mobilizing at the grassroots level, is what got me into politics. Even in a campus club, in a campus setting, or in organizations such as Pride, things like that, that’s advocacy. That’s what I am. I am an advocate and I am ready to advocate in Queen’s Park.
“If elected, I will continue to advocate for Haldimand Norfolk, for hospitals and long term care facilities funding, to social assistance, to protecting our workforce and beyond. I believe that the small town value of looking out for one another is something to be applied to political conversations and not just personal ones.
“Basic needs and rights are not to be taken away at the whim of a politician, so I will ensure that Ontario reinvests into the systems, institutions and industries that allow us to thrive. I will make sure that Haldimand Norfolk sees palpable change without losing sight of our small town values.”
Vandan Patel (Liberal)
“I am here because I believe in the future of this community, for our families, businesses and farmers. I am coming here to bring your voice to Queen’s Park.
“Agriculture is in my blood. I understand the real challenges our farmers face, and the opportunities. We must grow our local economy.
“Beyond agriculture, I have dedicated myself to public service in the Liberal Party of Canada and as a secretary of the Royal Canadian Legion in Branch 121 Galt. I have personally connected with over 100 million people and also 100 municipalities… I was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award.
“But above all, I am a father. My daughter is in University of Waterloo, my son in Grade 9. I want them to have the best future… going to strong schools, good jobs.
“Together, we can bring the real challenge to Haldimand Norfolk and I am ready to listen to your needs, get ready for your fights, and under Bonnie Crombie, we can build a better Ontario together.”
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Questions
What is your plan to reduce barriers to doing business in Ontario?
“Our small downtowns have been left behind over the years as big box stores have lined the Queensway in places like Simcoe,” said Brady, suggesting a need for conversations between municipalities, Chambers and the Province with communities to gain insights and build support for development initiatives… and pedestrian friendly downtowns. “First, we need to make our downtowns safe… make sure we have adequate parking, and make sure that parking is free.”
“The big idea is we have so many big box stores, so many chain stores, and they tend to be cheaper and more accessible to people,” said Englert. “How do we mitigate that? How do we make more opportunities for small businesses? We need ways to get pedestrians out, get pedestrians closer together, but also making sure we have supports both in our government and in our society for small business owners starting businesses.”
“Small business is the backbone of our communities,” said Martin, noting the Minister of Rural Affairs came to Norfolk County to announce Rural Economic Dollars. “Norfolk County put that to good use with employee retention programs, and recruitment programs. The (Ontario) government has worked to reduce over $1 billion in red tape since 2018 and created an economic environment for more jobs – 850,000 jobs have come to Ontario since 2018, 200,000 of those came since 2024. Imagine an MPP who could bring 5% of those jobs to Haldimand Norfolk, 10,000 new jobs contributing to our economy… and the basis of this election is about protecting jobs, protecting Ontario, so it’s pretty timely.”
“So in order for our small businesses to prosper, we need to have some growth in our communities, and we can have that small growth in our communities without urban sprawl by developing land that is not being used, industrial land or plazas or warehouses into mutli-storey apartment buildings, creating density,” said Massinen.Patel said it’s important to build supports, to have the government reach out to small businesses.
A question was asked about tariffs, and the possibility of removing or changing provincial tariffs to improve cross-Canada sales.
It was noted there are 32 primary care practitioners in Norfolk County, and about 13,000 people without a medical provider. Candidates were asked for their strategies to increase the number of doctors in the county.
Candidates were also asked how they would ensure the longterm viability of smalltown rural hospitals like NGH, and reduce the strain on the emergency room.
Candidates were asked what they would do to bring significant provincial dollars here.
The urban water project was addressed, along with the development MZO in Haldimand.
Candidates what their priorities would be to make it easier for first-time home buyers.
The homelessness crisis was touched on, along with public colleges and international students.
“We are proud of our strong agricultural roots, how do you view the importance of agriculture in Norfolk? And what do you see that Ontario needs to do to support and grow this sector?” candidates were asked.
The 12th question dealt with waiting lists for long term care beds.
Candidates were asked how they plan to measure their success in office if elected.
Concluding Remarks
“I have a deep-rooted passion for all of Haldimand Norfolk, not just one county,” said Brady. “And I know I am the only person up here tonight with that passion that comes from 25 years or working here right alongside all of you. Everything I’ve spoken of here tonight comes from 25 years of experience, not a playbook handed to me by Doug Ford.”
“I hope I’ve shown you my dedication to reinvesting in this province, in this riding and to advocating for our unique rural needs,” said Englert. “From jobs to affordable housing, to doctors and health care professionals, protecting the infrastructure that keeps this province alive is more necessary than ever now.”
“With the continued US tariff threat bringing uncertainty to our local economy and our livelihoods, my commitment to you is clear,” said Martin. “Premier Ford and the next PC government of Ontario will do whatever is necessary to protect people’s jobs. As your MPP, I will make sure Haldimand Norfolk gets the support we deserve.”
Martin said that for the last two-and-a-half years, Haldimand Norfolk has been represented by an MPP who is not taken seriously by decisions makers in the Ontario government.
“She has the worst attendance record out of 124 MPPs, voting only 36% of the time… voting 92% of the time with Liberals and NDPs last year.
“Haldimand Norfolk has been sitting on the sidelines and we have an opportunity to get a seat at the table and ensure that our views and our priorities and perspectives are reflected in the next provincial government,” Martin concluded.
Patel said he wanted to leave the audience with one simple but powerful example.
“Imagine holding one single wooden stick in your hand. It can break easily with just a little break. Now imagine a bundle of sticks, held tightly together, and it is nearly impossible to break,” said Patel. “This is the difference between having an Independent MPP who stands alone and being a part of one strong, united Liberal team. So when you stand together, we have the strength to protect and fight for the 110,000 residents of Haldimand Norfolk region. We can bring real solutions to the challenges we face, whether it is improved health care, strengthening our local economy or supporting our farmers. This election is about choosing a stand, choosing a leadership that doesn’t stand alone., but stands with a team… that will not break under pressure.”
“Doug Ford has wasted $187 million on calling this early election,” said Massinen. “Why do we need this election? He says it’s because he needs a strong mandate so he can protect us from Donald Trump’s tariffs. I don’t think that’s true. I think he called this early election so that he can be in power for four more years to get his agenda done, to build highways that we don’t need, to fund his pet projects… Meanwhile, he is not worried about our problems. He doesn’t care that we have 2.5 million people in Ontario without a doctor. He’d rather privatize our healthcare. He doesn’t care that 81,000 people are homeless. He doesn’t care that our schools are overcrowded, that we don’t have the support we need in mental health, the places, the beds for our seniors…
“He doesn’t care about the environment, he doesn’t care that life is not affordable. He doesn’t care that we are struggling to pay our bills,” Massinen concluded.
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