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. That’s why we’ve invited every candidate in Sarnia-Lambton’s MPP race to share where they stand on key issues that affect our community.
These answers aren’t filtered through press releases or campaign ads, 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, to advocate for our needs, and to make decisions that shape our future.
We hope this series helps voters feel informed and engaged in the process. An informed community is a strong one, and that’s what local media should be working to build.
Meet your candidates: Tom Stoukas, Populist Party of Ontario
1. Why are you running to be the MPP for Sarnia-Lambton?
I was offered the opportunity to run in this surprise election at the last minute. I have been critical of this government for years so I decided to put my money where my mouth is and run because I care about my kid's future and I can’t bear to see the province and county deteriorate further under the leadership of Doug Ford and Bob Bailey.
2. The province is appealing the court ruling that struck down Bill 124, which capped public sector wages and affected contract negotiations for nurses and healthcare workers. Do you support continuing the appeal, or should the province raise wages?
I support giving essential health care workers raises to keep up with inflation which was caused by government overspending and excessive money printing. At the same time we need to make public sector cuts where there is waste and duplication of services so we can get spending under control.
3. Sarnia has seen an increase in homelessness. The province allocates funding for both law enforcement and housing-related initiatives. How do you think these funds should be prioritized?
Most people who are in homeless encampments suffer from drug addiction or mental illness which prevents them from maintaining a residence. They need treatment and in cases where they are a danger to themselves or others, they should be incarcerated in a mental facility or prison where they can receive treatment. Those in homeless encampments who are unhoused for financial reasons could be connected with transitional housing. Spending money on shanty towns and homeless encampments will just make things worse.
4. Sarnia’s Chemical Valley accounts for over 10% of Ontario’s industrial emissions. The province has adjusted environmental regulations in recent years, including allowing companies to self-report emissions. Do you believe the current approach is effective, or should there be changes?
I believe in a robust, independent Ministry of Environment that has the confidence of the public and the respect and cooperation of industry. Anything less is failure.
5. Sarnia does not have direct access to GO Transit and has limited VIA Rail service. What is your position on expanding public transit options for the region?
The leadership of our longtime MPP Bob Bailey and our longserving mayor Mike Bradley has resulted in a disaster for transit options in Sarnia-Lambton. We lost airline service at the city airport, intercity bus service is non-existent and Via Rail runs on a barebones schedule. Sarnia has all the necessary tools to be a dynamic region of Ontario yet it is still considered a backwater as reflected in our lack of travel options. I believe if the economy of Sarnia-Lambton can reach its potential the private sector will address transit needs within the county as well as to other destinations.
6. Sarnia’s police budget is set to increase by 9.64% this year. In your view, what is the appropriate balance of provincial funding between law enforcement and other public services such as mental health and housing?
There is definitely a lack of mental health services that could help people long before they come into interaction with a police officer. Bob Bailey has failed Sarnia-Lambton on this count despite all his government-funded mental health announcements. Police should be funded for their legitimate needs as long as they are focused on fighting crime like fantasy dealers instead of persecuting law-abiding citizens like we saw during Covid.
7. Ontario has a $5.4 billion surplus. Some municipalities have raised concerns about financial pressures and revenue sources. Do you believe cities should receive additional provincial funding, and if so, how would you approach that issue?
According to my research, Ontario is projected to to post 6.6 billion deficit for the 2024-25 fiscal year which will make it difficult to help cities with their infrastructure deficits which are huge. Doug Ford has governed hand in hand with Justin Trudeau to flood Ontario with mass migration which has put a strain on social services, housing and government budgets. The situation is unsustainable. Instead of paying billions for migrants and refugees that money could go to investing in infrastructure and health care to make Ontario strong. We need to cut any government waste and root out corrupt spending so that money can go to municipalities and lower taxes for residents.
8. Ontario’s living wage estimates indicate that workers in Sarnia-Lambton would need to earn at least $19/hour to meet basic expenses such as housing, food, and transportation. Do you support changes to the minimum wage, and why or why not?
I believe an artificially high minimum wage hurts youth employment, small business and encourages more automation thereby eliminating jobs. I believe market between employers and employees can decide wages depending on talent, experience and labor supply. Minimum wage should be indexed to inflation but the problem is inflation is rampant because of governments printing money and running deficits. Once inflation rears its ugly head it is very difficult to tame. We are seeing that now with the cost of living and increasing labor unrest over wage increases
9. Public schools in Lambton-Kent have experienced funding adjustments, including changes to class sizes and available resources. Meanwhile, private schools receive some provincial funding. What is your position on education funding in Ontario?
We are in the dawn of a new technology era while public schools were designed to serve an industrial society so we need to look at all sorts of new approaches to education that will make Ontario students world-class. AI and automation along with other new developments will affect the classroom just as much as the workplace so we need to have a strategy that is open to new ideas and is properly funded. Endless money for education in its current form will not allow students to achieve the best results in this new world we are entering.
10. Ontario has adjusted its approach to climate adaptation funding in recent years. With concerns about flooding, storms, and shoreline erosion in Sarnia-Lambton, do you believe the current level of support is sufficient, or would you advocate for changes?
With regards to climate change policy, I believe Carbon taxes are a convenient wealth transfer from hard-working Canadian to globalist elites who fly around the world in private jets. Having said that, as an MPP I would support any funding needs for shoreline erosion and flood mitigation which in many cases is a result of crumbling infrastructure and building in places where people shouldn’t be building. While I do not buy into climate hysteria, I do believe in promoting a clean environment free of as many pollutants as possible.