York-Simcoe byelection opportunity for change: NDP candidate Jessa McLean

Yorkregion.com
January 11, 2019
Heidi Riedner

The York-Simcoe NDP candidate says the upcoming federal byelection finally called by Prime Minister Trudeau for Feb. 25 is an opportunity for the riding to have the representation it deserves.

The seat has been vacant since the September retirement of longtime Tory MP and former cabinet minister, Peter Van Loan.

The byelection is one of three called Jan. 9 by Trudeau, following opposition claims that the Liberals were deliberately delaying the byelections and leaving the ridings of York-Simcoe, Burnaby South in B.C. and Quebec's Outremont vacant.

York-Simcoe's NDP candidate Jessa McLean -- who was acclaimed at the party’s nomination meeting Dec. 6 -- says she is excited for the opportunity the byelection brings to the people of the riding “to choose the representation they deserve, the representation the working class needs and our environment needs.”

In her nomination acceptance speech, McLean said the riding has long sent representation to Ottawa and Toronto “that doesn’t reflect who we are, and who appear to be completely out of touch with most peoples’ lived reality” and, as a result, things haven’t improved all that much for most people in York-Simcoe and across Canada.

“People are working harder, but are not getting ahead,” she says.

“Our incomes aren’t keeping up with the cost of living, particularly housing. Inequality is on the rise, Indigenous relationships are deteriorating, and we are running out of time to effectively address climate change. We deserve better.”

A passionate community organizer, McLean says she is committed to making life better for everyday families.

McLean says she is determined to reshape conversations on the campaign trail and provide new alternatives to pressing issues.

“I will work tirelessly to champion bold new possibilities to eliminate poverty, ensure fair taxation, end our reliance on fossil fuels, and finally complete the mission of universal health care by making sure everyone has access to essential medications.”

McLean is a Georgina resident, raising a family in Sutton, and has previously worked as co-ordinator for a forensic engineering firm.

She has been active as a community organizer, most recently with the “$15 and Fairness” campaign.

McLean is running against fellow Georgina resident Scot Davidson, who is the Conservative party candidate.

The Liberals' nomination meeting is being held Saturday.