At The Sarnia Journal, we believe community media has a responsibility to do more than just report on campaigns — we need to be a platform for voters to hear directly from the people who want to represent them in Parliament. That’s why we’ve invited every candidate in Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong’s federal race to share where they stand on key issues that affect our community and country.
These answers aren’t filtered through press releases or campaign messaging — they’re presented in full so voters can read them in context and understand exactly where each candidate stands. Because when you cast your ballot, you’re choosing someone to represent Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, to advocate for local priorities, and to make decisions that shape Canada’s future.
We hope this series helps voters feel informed and engaged in the democratic process. An informed community is a strong one — and that’s what local media should strive to support.
1. Why are you running to be the Member of Parliament for Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong?
Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong deserves a representative that will speak for everyone, not just the well-off. When I visit our First Nations and rural communities, I hear the stories of people who feel left behind by an ever-changing world. Regardless of if you’re a farmer in need of a family doctor, a young parent struggling under the burden of increasing rent, or a tradesperson out of work, you deserve a government that values your experiences and you deserve to have your voice heard in Ottawa.
2. Housing affordability is a top concern across the country. What federal measures do you support to improve access to affordable and off-market housing in communities like ours?
Access to shelter is a human right. The NDP will use Crown land to build rent-controlled homes and stop corporate landlords from buying up affordable homes and apartments in order to hike up the rent. This is not about discounting real estate as an investment avenue, it is about making sure that we don’t exploit the housing crisis for profit.
The NDP will support First Nations, Métis and Inuit-led efforts and projects and guarantee long-term, consistent, and predictable support so they can build the community infrastructure they need. Every dollar invested in First Nations infrastructure generates $1.82 in economic output, so supporting infrastructure investments will help create good-paying jobs in trades and construction right here in our community.
The NDP will boost the Rental Protection Fund to help non-profit organizations purchase affordable apartments when they come onto the market. Locally, this means that places like Ohana’s Landing can continue to help provide housing to clients from Rebound and Sarnia-Lambton Children’s Aid Society. This allows social welfare organizations to not “overspend” on AirBnBs and hotels in order to prevent youth from becoming unhoused.
3. Sarnia’s economy is heavily tied to manufacturing and chemical industries. How would your party approach industrial emissions, clean technology, and the future of jobs in regions like Chemical Valley?
The NDP believes it is a top priority to invest in people and the opportunities they need to succeed. Energy demand in North America is projected to remain constant until 2050, so under all credible scenarios, Oil & Gas will remain essential to meet that demand. The transition to cleaner fuels is already underway, and Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong needs to be adaptable as part of this energy transition.
We already have industrial infrastructure in place for co-processing alternative fuel sources locally, and the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is working towards potential investment opportunities in regards to Advanced Recycling of plastic waste. It is possible to have good paying jobs in creating low carbon fuels and clean technology.
Investing in infrastructure for value-added agriculture would be beneficial to both our Lambton farmers and our union workers in Chemical Valley. Canadians are already involved in developing the technologies we need for a cleaner future, and our community stands ready to capture these opportunities with the right leadership.
4. Many Canadians are concerned about the rising cost of living. What would you and your party do to address inflation, affordability, and wage stagnation?
Canadians are working hard and doing everything right, but for too many the cost of food, housing and other essentials is out of control. Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying for medications, their rent, and feeding their families. New Democrats will make your life more affordable by scrapping the GST on essentials like groceries, diapers, kids’ clothes, and home heating. With grocery price caps and expanded pharmacare, we can ensure that families get the support they need to thrive
5. International trade and tariff policies can have a direct impact on Canadian manufacturers. What is your position on Canada’s current trade policies, and how should the next government handle tariff disputes—especially those affecting local industry?
New Democrats believe that Canada's foreign policy should prioritize defending jobs for Canadian workers. To protect and create more good paying jobs here in Canada, New Democrats will prioritize a Build Canadian, Buy Canadian plan. Canadians deserve a government that puts Canadian workers first. Trump’s tariffs could mean job losses for hundreds of thousands of Canadian workers, higher prices and a weaker Canadian dollar.
While we need to work towards diversifying our trade partners, New Democrats are clear that certain things are off the table; essential Canadian industries like public hydro, critical minerals, and cultural sectors will not be sold off or exploited by foreign interests. We will also ensure that Indigenous Treaty rights, Charter rights, French language and labour protections, and environmental safeguards are never sacrificed in trade negotiations.
6. Canada is facing a shortage of healthcare workers, especially in rural and mid-sized communities. What federal actions would you take to improve healthcare access and support frontline workers?
New Democrats will work with Provincial governments to streamline licensing for skilled workers and create a pan-Canadian license to reduce barriers for healthcare professionals. We’ll also provide additional support for overworked and underpaid workers in the Healthcare so that patient outcomes are improved and wait times are reduced. Hard working families shouldn’t have to make a choice between prescription mediation and paying rent, and our elders deserve better access to long term care so they’re not waiting for beds to open up.
7. Sarnia-Lambton has an aging population and limited public transit. What federal infrastructure investments would you advocate for to ensure the region remains connected, accessible, and prepared for the future?
People in cities, towns and rural areas are tired of waiting for reliable transit. The NDP will modernize and expand public transit in communities across Canada. We will make funding for public transit permanent through the Canada Public Transit Fund available right away to support municipalities to move forward on their transit projects. Locally, this can be applied to the Huron Shores Area Transit system which connects Lambton Shores, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and Sarnia to the wider Middlesex area. Sustainable funding solutions will ensure this essential service continues to serve the residents of Lambton County and surrounding communities.
8. Canada’s immigration system is under pressure, but newcomers remain essential to regional economies. How would you balance immigration targets with support for housing, settlement services, and employment opportunities in Sarnia-Lambton?
We have an abundance of newcomers that are skilled workers ready to help, but they’re faced with a system that doesnt recognize their existing credentials. The NDP will improve foreign credential recognition, making it easier for qualified immigrants to work in key areas like healthcare.
There are currently several wage subsidies and tax credits for different types of hiring available to businesses - these can be expanded to ensure that Indigenous peoples have equitable access to jobs, training and education opportunities. By investing in our Indigenous communities, we provide long-term sustainable benefits through local job creation and develop Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong into a resilient economy that works for everyone.
The NDP’s plan includes protecting and expanding bilingual services, especially in health, education, and federal programs. Locally Accès Franco Santé Sarnia, a multi-agency hub that aims to provide health and social services in French just launched last month. French-speaking residents deserve the same access to services as everyone else.
9. With extreme weather, shoreline erosion, and Lake Huron water levels continuing to fluctuate, do you support increased federal funding for climate adaptation, environmental protection, and emergency preparedness in our region?
Canadians are doing their part to fight the climate crisis and we deserve a government who does their part too in protecting our air and water. Farmers and rural communities need investments and improved access to funding to ensure they’re able to adapt to climate emergencies, and we must ensure we’re respecting First Nations Treaty rights regarding stewardship of our natural resources. The NDP will implement emission reduction policies designed to ensure that the financial burden of pollution falls on the major polluters, rather than on everyday consumers