With the Ontario election on Feb. 27, TimminsToday asked each of the candidates three questions. Below are Mushkegowuk-James Bay NDP candidate Guy Bourgouin's responses.
What is the top issue in Mushkegowuk-James Bay right now? How would you address it?
Highway Safety is definitely the top issue.
Throughout my time in the legislature, I have introduced three different Private Member’s Bills aimed at improving highway safety — ranging from enhancing winter road maintenance to prohibiting passing on a double solid line, and advocating for mandatory winter driving training using simulators. If re-elected, I will continue this critical work.
Additionally, my colleagues from the North and I have developed a comprehensive Northern Highway Safety Plan, which outlines both immediate and long-term solutions. In the short term, we are pushing for road testing to be brought back under the oversight of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), along with significant improvements in road maintenance. In the long term, we are advocating for essential infrastructure expansions, including widening Highways 11 and 17. Our complete plan, detailing these and other key initiatives, is available on the party website.
How will you be accountable to and represent constituents at Queen’s Park if elected?
I have always upheld an open-door policy, ensuring that all constituents, organizations, and local groups have direct access to my office. Whether through in-person meetings or phone calls, I encourage open dialogue and engagement to address concerns and priorities.
Beyond individual interactions, I actively collaborate with sector leaders, municipal councils, and community organizations to fully understand the pressing issues facing our region. I then bring these concerns directly to Queen’s Park — whether by meeting with ministry officials, raising issues during Question Period, submitting formal letters to ministers, or introducing motions and Private Member’s Bills to advocate for legislative change. My commitment is to be a strong and persistent voice for our communities.
What do you want Mushkegowuk-James Bay residents to know about you?
For the past seven years, I have had the privilege of serving as your MPP, and during this time, I have remained deeply connected to the people of this riding. Every concern brought to my attention — whether through phone calls, emails, or community meetings — has been acknowledged, answered, and acted upon, always in both official languages.
I have seen firsthand the growing challenges of living in Northern Ontario, from the need for better healthcare and safer highways to addressing affordability and housing shortages. My commitment is to continue fighting for the services and support our communities deserve.
Beyond my legislative work, I have been an active participant in countless community events and initiatives, supporting local organizations as I believe it to be vital to encourage such efforts as they strengthen our communities and are essential to building a strong, united North.
We also cannot overlook the incredible expertise and dedication of my team. Over the years, my staff has provided unmatched professional service, handling more than 10,000 casework files and assisting residents with a wide range of complex issues. Many of these cases have required us to escalate concerns beyond individual solutions—bringing issues to the legislature to address systemic problems. This collaboration between my office and our constituents is at the core of how we push for real, lasting change. The depth of knowledge and experience within my team is simply irreplaceable, and I am proud of the outstanding support they continue to provide to our communities.
It has been an honour to serve as your elected representative for two terms, and I would be truly grateful for the opportunity to continue this work for another.
Four people are running in Mushkegowuk-James Bay. The other candidates are Liberal Kyle Allen, Green Catherine Jones, and PC Dave Plourde.
Election day is on Feb. 27. Advance polls are open Feb. 20-22.
