Why candidate is running:
My children are my inspiration for getting involved in politics. I am acutely aware of the problems facing the next generation that will be handed over to them if we don’t address these issues. We desperately need a long-term vision, and politicians who are willing to look beyond the next election. In order to actually make a difference, we need to look at how issues are related to each other, and address root causes instead of symptoms. As a mother to young children, I recognize the value in people co-operating, and that we get better results when everyone’s ideas are represented, not just a select few. I want to solve problems, and we do that best when we work together.
Family: Married to husband, Steve and two sons, Maddix, aged 6 and Kingston, aged 3
Occupation: Businesswoman, mother, and Deputy Leader of the Green Party of P.E.I.
Hobbies: Homesteading, woodworking and reading.
First priority after being elected:
Too many people are struggling financially. Addressing this in two key areas is my first priority.
Because governments tend to only look as far as the next election, we often see incentives for industries to move in. As incentives dry up, many jobs do too. In a four-year cycle, this creates a job increase that looks good on paper, but rarely lasts. Since Islanders don’t plan their lives around four-year election cycles, we need to think long-term. Seventy-five per cent of all jobs are created in small business, so I will work for targeted investments in new and existing start-ups, green energy retrofits, and IT.
I will advocate for a Basic Income. Federally, government is actively exploring this, and P.E.I. is ideally suited for a pilot project. It would influence health outcomes, mental health and child poverty, which in turn improves education outcomes. And it’s good for local businesses, too.
Why candidate believes she will make a good MLA:
I chose my party carefully, because I want more than to merely get elected. I intend to solve problems. The Green Party puts people ahead of party politics. I will always be free to vote with the people in Summerside-Wilmot instead of being made to toe the party line. My voice will not be silenced on important issues. I value collaboration and recognize that no party has a monopoly on good ideas. So I will give credit where credit is due and seek common ground instead of aiming to score points. I will work across party lines to find solutions that are best for Summerside and the province as a whole. People of all political stripes comment on the difference Peter Bevan-Baker has made in the Legislature this past year. If you think one Green shakes up old-party politics, you should see what we could do with two.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard while campaigning?
Occasionally, someone will say that they do not follow politics but always vote for the same party, regardless of what happens or who is running. Given how different administrations can be from each other (Alex Campbell and Robert Ghiz, for example), it’s hard to imagine that party colour is enough. Fortunately, that’s rare.
Why candidate is running:
My children are my inspiration for getting involved in politics. I am acutely aware of the problems facing the next generation that will be handed over to them if we don’t address these issues. We desperately need a long-term vision, and politicians who are willing to look beyond the next election. In order to actually make a difference, we need to look at how issues are related to each other, and address root causes instead of symptoms. As a mother to young children, I recognize the value in people co-operating, and that we get better results when everyone’s ideas are represented, not just a select few. I want to solve problems, and we do that best when we work together.
Family: Married to husband, Steve and two sons, Maddix, aged 6 and Kingston, aged 3
Occupation: Businesswoman, mother, and Deputy Leader of the Green Party of P.E.I.
Hobbies: Homesteading, woodworking and reading.
First priority after being elected:
Too many people are struggling financially. Addressing this in two key areas is my first priority.
Because governments tend to only look as far as the next election, we often see incentives for industries to move in. As incentives dry up, many jobs do too. In a four-year cycle, this creates a job increase that looks good on paper, but rarely lasts. Since Islanders don’t plan their lives around four-year election cycles, we need to think long-term. Seventy-five per cent of all jobs are created in small business, so I will work for targeted investments in new and existing start-ups, green energy retrofits, and IT.
I will advocate for a Basic Income. Federally, government is actively exploring this, and P.E.I. is ideally suited for a pilot project. It would influence health outcomes, mental health and child poverty, which in turn improves education outcomes. And it’s good for local businesses, too.
Why candidate believes she will make a good MLA:
I chose my party carefully, because I want more than to merely get elected. I intend to solve problems. The Green Party puts people ahead of party politics. I will always be free to vote with the people in Summerside-Wilmot instead of being made to toe the party line. My voice will not be silenced on important issues. I value collaboration and recognize that no party has a monopoly on good ideas. So I will give credit where credit is due and seek common ground instead of aiming to score points. I will work across party lines to find solutions that are best for Summerside and the province as a whole. People of all political stripes comment on the difference Peter Bevan-Baker has made in the Legislature this past year. If you think one Green shakes up old-party politics, you should see what we could do with two.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard while campaigning?
Occasionally, someone will say that they do not follow politics but always vote for the same party, regardless of what happens or who is running. Given how different administrations can be from each other (Alex Campbell and Robert Ghiz, for example), it’s hard to imagine that party colour is enough. Fortunately, that’s rare.
