TIMMINS - When the next provincial election is called, the NDP is counting on a “generational change” to lead the way.
Corey Lepage has been named the NDP candidate for the Timmins riding. He was acclaimed at an event at the Porcupine Dante Club on Jan. 16, attended by former MPP Gilles Bison and provincial NDP leader Marit Stiles.
“I’m running to make a positive change in people’s lives,” said Lepage. “There are advantages to coming in when you’re young. I, as a candidate, have the energy, I have the commitment and I’m prepared to fully put myself into getting this job done.”
At 24, he said his age is an important part of what he brings to the table.
“I’ve always had this thought planned that I want to do something to help people in their lives,” he said. “Public office is a great way of doing that.”
A recent graduate of L’Universite de Hearst with a business degree, politics has been part of his plan, but he didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
“My generation is very interested in politics, and they’re looking forward to getting things done,” he said. “Being able to represent our younger generations better than maybe older candidates would be able to, that gives us a strong push.”
Housing is one of his key issues.
“I rent right now. I know what the rent prices are like, and I know what the home prices are like because I’m at that age where I’m looking to buy a house soon, and it’s not something that's going to be happening right now,” he said. “We need to build our community so we can build our small businesses and so we can thrive.”
Lepage is a financial advisor for Caisse Alliance. He has also volunteered for Bison’s 2022 campaign.
Stiles said the NDP are ready whenever the next election is called.
“Whether the election is next week or a month from now or a year and a half from now, we will be running to win,” she said. “What we’re looking at now is a generational change. I’m very excited about that. I think we need someone with energy, ready to hit the road running and to start to deliver for the people of Timmins.”
The NDP had a stronghold in the riding for three decades. In the 2022 election, Progressive Conservative George Pirie won the seat. Pirie, who is also the Minister of Mines, is seeking re-election.
