1. Why are you running for Ward 9 councillor?
Where do I begin? For years, I have been a strong community advocate, giving a voice to those who are often not heard. That’s my main motivator.
There is, regrettably, a disconnect between City Hall and the residents it is supposed to serve, and that disconnect has a profound effect on daily life in Ward 9. Families who are feeling unsafe, concerned and unheard. Homeowners are disappointed in the lack of leadership. I even had one elderly gentleman tell me, “We have no representation here.” Ward 9 residents deserve a strong voice at City Hall, one that asks the hard questions and acts on their priorities.
It’s sad, and it needs to change.
I want to ignite excitement about what is possible. I want residents and entire communities to feel empowered and to be part of a collaborative movement for change. As their elected leader, I want them to sit at the table with me, not on the other side of me.
I don’t believe the government should be something that happens to residents. It should happen with them.
There needs to be leadership that isn’t afraid of making waves. Leadership that is willing to take a stand. I’m proud to stand up and fight for what is right and to demand answers on behalf of residents. My record proves it.
Residents in Ward 9 shouldn’t have to organize petitions and demand town halls just to be heard, like what happened with the Data Centre and the Condo Development at Erin Mills Town Centre. It’s a familiar pattern, questions go unanswered, decisions move forward without clear answers, and residents are left dealing with the consequences.
Ward 9 needs strong, accountable leadership. Together, we will set the benchmark for what is possible.
2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
Experience, extensive, varied experience, is what sets me apart. As an award-winning journalist at CTV News for close to 20 years, I know how to get to the truth. I know how to demand accountability. I’m prepared to ask hard questions and make sure there are answers. I will scrutinize spending, challenge decisions that don’t make sense for residents, and most importantly, follow through.
I also think a councillor should be accessible and accountable. If residents raise an issue, they deserve to know what happened to it, not have it disappear into City Hall.
I’m also not afraid of a challenge. For the past several years, I’ve been fighting for safer schools. I founded a province-wide movement, called the Hold Schools Accountable Parent Network. Together, with families across Ontario, we have exposed the shocking harm happening to children, along with rampant noncompliance with mandated policies in our publicly funded schools.
I’ve called on both municipal and provincial governments to demand action, speaking as a delegate at both Peel Regional Council and Queen’s Park. Thousands of Ontario families have signed our petition to amend the Education Act, and countless educators, teachers, and administrators have come forward as whistleblowers, reporting exclusively to my organization.
A strong leader acts, not just reacts. That’s the leadership Ward 9 deserves.