Nipissing-Timiskaming NDP have voted for Valerie Kennedy to be the next candidate for the upcoming federal election.
Kennedy works with the Englehart Public Library and fills in as an education assistant and teacher on call with the North Eastern Catholic District School Board. She defeated Riley X. T. McEntee who was born and raised in Huntsville and has been a North Bay resident for the past five years.
See: Local federal NDP nomination to be a contested affair
"Kennedy has worked with former NDP MP Charlie Angus for years and is ready to keep up his legacy of integrity and tireless work ethic for residents," says a news release.
“The Liberals don’t come to the north, and they don’t do a thing for Northern communities, so issues like our infrastructure, housing and food prices have just gotten worse and worse," said Kennedy. "People need a government that will take northern needs seriously. The Conservatives won’t do it, they care more about helping big companies pay less, and they’ll cut from us all in order to do it."
“Valerie is a great choice for the people of Nipissing-Timiskaming – she’s smart, driven and ready to bring attention to Northern issues,” said NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. “While the Liberals and Conservatives focus on serving billionaires and giant corporations, Valerie understands the importance of having real working people in Parliament – fighting non-stop for everyday families. Affordable groceries and bills, more homes in the North and better health care, without having to travel – Valerie’s priorities are her community’s priorities.”
"Valerie is passionate about tackling key issues such as affordable housing, better healthcare, bold climate action, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. As the NDP candidate, she envisions Nipissing-Timiskaming as a more inclusive, sustainable, and fair community. Valerie is ready to bring Northern Ontario’s voice to Ottawa," says the release.
“We’ve seen what New Democrats have been able to do in Parliament. They’ve found a way to win universal dental care and pharmacare for our families, and they’ve fought for, and won, hospitals for the North. With the NDP, you get MPs who work to lower your costs and improve your lives and communities. I’m running so I can do all I can to help our Northern communities,” added Kennedy.
An election is yet to be called but is expected this spring. She'll battle Liberal Pauline Rochefort and Conservative Cassidy Villeneuve in the riding held by Anthony Rota.