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?
I’ve spent my life serving this community as a police officer, a small business owner, a volunteer, and now a city councillor. I’ve chaired the Sarnia Humane Society, co-founded the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, served on the Police Services Board, and worked with organizations like Libro Credit Union and the Bright's Grove Library. My family has lived here for over 60 years. I’m running to be our Member of Parliament because I believe we need leadership in Ottawa that reflects the values of this community: respect, fairness, and hard work. I want to deliver results that make a real difference for the people of Sarnia–Lambton.
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?
The Liberal Party has introduced the most ambitious federal housing plan since the Second World War. This includes building 500,000 affordable homes per year and removing the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes under one million dollars. I strongly support investments in co-op and off-market housing so we can create homes that people in our community can actually afford. I will fight to make sure Sarnia—Lambton receives its fair share and that housing policies are built with smaller communities in mind.
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?
Sarnia has long been a hub for industry, and I believe our future lies in building on that strength, not walking away from it. Mark Carney has made it clear that Canada must be a powerhouse in both conventional and clean energy — and I agree. This is not about shutting down our industries, it’s about helping them evolve.
Under Liberal leadership, we are investing in clean energy, green hydrogen, industrial retrofitting, and advanced manufacturing. These investments are designed specifically for regions like ours, where the infrastructure, workforce, and expertise already exist. I will advocate for those federal dollars to come to Sarnia and ensure our community is at the forefront of that transition.
We also need to expand training and apprenticeship programs so that our skilled trades workforce is ready for the jobs of tomorrow — jobs that are clean, reliable, and based right here at home. The future of Sarnia’s economy can be both sustainable and strong, and I’m committed to helping us get there.
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?
This issue is personal for me. I hear about it every day at the door, and I’ve lived it as a small business owner and a parent. Liberals have already cancelled the consumer carbon tax, which is saving families up to 18 cents per litre on fuel in many provinces. We are expanding support for working families through programs like $10 per day childcare, dental care, and a new national pharmacare plan. I will work hard to ensure that these programs directly benefit people here in Sarnia—Lambton.
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?
Mark Carney and the Liberal Party have responded quickly to recent U.S. tariff threats. Our plan is to strengthen domestic manufacturing by prioritizing Canadian-made goods and opening new markets for our world-class products. In Sarnia—Lambton, that means protecting local jobs in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing while ensuring that international trade deals protect workers and do not compromise our environmental or labour standards. I will advocate for fair trade that puts our region first.
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?
We need to fix both the shortage and the burnout that workers are facing. Liberals are working with provinces to fund more training positions for doctors, nurses, and personal support workers. We are also accelerating the credential recognition process for internationally trained healthcare professionals. I support expanded mental health services and increased funding for long-term care. As Member of Parliament, I will ensure that smaller communities like ours are not overlooked when it comes to healthcare access.
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?
As a city councillor, I’ve worked directly on infrastructure and transit issues. I will advocate for targeted investment in regional transit and mobility services, digital connectivity, and support for accessibility upgrades in housing and public spaces. Our region also needs long-term federal support for roads, water systems, and high-speed internet. These investments will keep people connected and help both seniors and young families thrive in Sarnia—Lambton.
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?
My parents were immigrants, and I’ve seen firsthand the contributions that new Canadians make. They strengthen our economy, our neighbourhoods, our schools, and our culture. Many of the families I’ve worked with through community organizations or supported in my legal practice came to Canada for opportunity and brought with them a strong work ethic and a deep care for others.
In Sarnia–Lambton, immigration has made our community more diverse, more resilient, and more beautiful. I believe we should continue welcoming newcomers while also making sure they have access to housing, language support, and meaningful job opportunities. That includes streamlining credential recognition, increasing support for affordable housing, and funding local settlement agencies.
Immigration is about building Canada’s future. I want to make sure Sarnia–Lambton remains a place where that future can take root and thrive.
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?
Yes. I support increased funding to protect our shoreline, upgrade stormwater infrastructure, and help communities like Bright’s Grove adapt to changing water levels. The federal government needs to provide tools and funding for local municipalities to prepare for floods, fires, and other climate risks. I will work with local councils and organizations to ensure Sarnia—Lambton gets the support it needs to protect homes, businesses, and public infrastructure for the long term.