"Mike Schreiner took some time to talk with me as I carefully considered running for the Green Party nomination for Kitchener Centre at the request of local leadership. I took some time to reflect, review policies, ask questions. I carefully considered the needs of our community and how I could help. Mike Schreiner is a leader that I deeply respect, and it would be my honour to work together with him at Queen’s Park. Mike and I talked about the benefit of strong Green leaders working in every level of government: federal (where Mike Morrice admirably represents Green policy and the local community), provincial, and municipal — something Kitchener Centre is poised to achieve during the upcoming by-election. This is such a unique opportunity. Robust political representation is vital, especially where the urgent advancement of Green Party policy is concerned.
We need to act now to protect the Green Belt, and to push back on the Ford government’s attempts to weaponize the housing crisis as an excuse to exploit an already tenuous local ecosystem. We live in challenging times, where the vulnerable in our society feel keenly the compounding complexities of rising housing and food costs, the ongoing opioid epidemic, inequitable access to supports, and the dark cloud of Global Warming amongst other challenges. It’s a tricky intersection that needs immediate attention in all directions. However, it is clear that we do not need to mortgage one future for another: we live in a province with the resources and acumen to make significant advances in ecological sustainability and community care. All we lack, it seems, is the political will.
I have a plan to win:
I’m a bridge builder — poised to hit the ground running with a strong local campaign, to win the seat in a wide open race, and to represent Kitchener Centre well at Queen’s Park. I represent the full package, a hyper-local advocate with a portfolio of experience that includes ethical action on climate change, education, well-being and mental health, high-stakes community building, and economic sustainability. My brand of leadership and representation has already drawn support from constituents who have historically supported other progressive platforms: proving that I can resonate with, and pull support from, local NDP and Liberal parties — even appealing to progressive Conservatives.
Why do I want to run for office as an MPP with the Green Party:
A by-election is an unusual opportunity for someone to leap into provincial politics. The power and the players are set: with responsibility and positioning established by the parties in power and opposition. This is an opportunity to inject a person with strong principles, who is hardworking, passionate, and locally focused into the political mix -- in strong ethical opposition to the current climate perpetuated by the party forming government. An incoming MPP must be firmly rooted in her community and in her values to effectively advocate in the provincial forum for her constituents. My experience and profile have prepared me to listen and synthesize quickly and effectively, to represent Kitchener Centre’s unique needs and strengths expertly, and to partner with party members and like-minded colleagues at Queen’s Park to lead and legislate with purpose and responsibly: where the ecological health and well-being of our city, province, country and planet is paramount.
I see a real opportunity for good work in cooperation across political spheres: under the leadership of MPP Mike Schreiner at Queen’s Park, in conversation with a sympathetic municipal council locally, and in alignment with federal representation via MP Mike Morris, Kitchener City Centre can have a strong, informed, and integrated voice at the provincial level."
- Stephanie Stretch
Ontario Greens have new solutions to Ontario’s old problems. We’ll tackle the housing crisis, address climate change, and improve our healthcare system. No more half-measures. It’s time to act now.
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