CHATHAM-KENT-LEAMINGTON CANDIDATES
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DAN GELINAS – NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Hello, my name is Dan Gelinas and I am proud and humbled to announce that I have officially been named the NDP Federal Candidate for Chatham Kent Leamington for this 2021 Federal election. I was born in Windsor Ontario and have lived the last 26 years in Wheatley Ontario. I have attached a bio showing my past and present political and community activities that paved the way to my present position as a candidate.
I definitely agree and support the NDP election agenda put forth by Mr. Singh. Pharmacare and Dental care are necessary programs all the people of Canada welcome and deserve as Canadians. Sick leave fully paid, student debt forgiveness, housing and climate change all must be addressed and programs introduced to resolve them is necessary.
Covid 19 has become the major issue in Canada and we must be better prepared to fight any future pandemics by producing our own vaccines here again. Back in the 1980’s the government-owned Connaught Labs was producing vaccines here in Canada but allowed to be sold to the French company Merieux (now part of Sanofi) by the Conservative government of Brian Mulroney.
Here in Chatham Kent Leamington our main focus must be placed on the economy, jobs and infrastructure that includes the building of better roads especially Highway #3, bridges and high speed internet to help the farming community grow and to be successful.
My personal focus is wrapped around the deep roots of injustice and inequality especially the way our LGBTQ2S community is wrongly treated by our present sitting MP Mr. Epp. His vote as well as Essex MP Mr. Lewis vote against the elimination of “Conversion Therapy” cannot be accepted by the people of CKL! As the proud father, grandfather and nephew of members of the LGBTQ2S I cannot and will not condone this type of systemic racism. A form of “ Conversion Therapy” was introduced in western Canada in the past to try and change the life styles of the Indigenous peoples and today we are finding hundreds of unmark graves of Indigenous children that died because of this barbaric practice. It is time all people recognize we are all created equal and respect for all is what will pull us together as a better community.
DAVE EPP – CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA
Dave Epp is a third generation Leamington farmer with a Bachelor of Theology, whose farm grows processing vegetables and cash crops, and describes himself as a common sense conservative.
Dave has been active in agricultural, community and sports organizations his entire life growing up in the Essex Kent area. He is a former single engine pilot who enjoys fastball, hockey and golf; and loves a good choir. Dave and his wife of 35 years, Charlene, have four daughters.
Prior to his election as Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent—Leamington in 2019, Dave’s experience has also included being Ontario/Quebec Regional Representative for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank; a member of the Municipal Committee of Adjustment, Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council; Leamington Flyers Hockey Club Board of Directors, as well as having served as Chairman of Agricorp, Ontario Process Vegetable Growers, and Ontario Tomato Research Institute.
GREG HETHERINGTON – LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA
Greg was born and raised on a farm in our community. After working on the family farm for over two decades, Greg started his professional broadcasting career in 1986 at CFCO, and later joined CKSY Radio in 1988 where he hosted the morning show for over 20 years.
In October 2009, Greg started the first ever radio station in Wallaceburg ON, CKXS RADIO, serving Chatham Kent.
Hosting various events, and fundraisers, he has broadcast at over 1000 locations in CK and around the world including the Olympic Games and from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
A passion for helping his community, and non-profit organizations, Greg has emceed and donated his time at more than 1000 charity events.
In his work to support his local community he has organized fundraisers and chaired various boards for events like the Cancer Society Relay for Life , the United Way CK campaign and even helped raise over a million dollars to attract doctors to Chatham Kent. Greg and his wife Kelly chaired the Festival of Giving 2012-14 and raised over a million dollars for the Food Banks of Chatham Kent, and the Children’s Treatment Centre of CK.
Greg has lived in Chatham Kent his entire life, and is married to Kelly, with two kids, Maxx and Madison.
LIZ VALLEE – PEOPLE’S PARTY OF CANADA
My name is Liz Vallee and I am honoured to represent the PPC as the Candidate in Chatham-Kent Leamington.
I was born and raised in Chatham Kent. I am married and a Mom of a 12-year-old boy and a soon to be 10-year-old girl. I am a personal trainer, and have competed locally,
Back in March of this year, I was becoming frustrated and saddened by what has been happening in our community and all over Canada with the government’s approach to Covid, and the use of Lockdowns which have undermined our basic rights and freedoms . This led me to restart local protests. The first week it was just my son and I. We held a sign and walked around downtown. The next week I had a couple people join me. As the weeks went on, the protests grew. In the meantime, I was invited to attend a PPC meeting. One thing led to another, and I decided to start fighting from the inside, and was fortunate to be selected as the PPC Canadidate in Chatham-Kent-Leamington. provincially, and nationally as a power lifter.
The People’s Party of Canada is the only party I could ever align myself with. Our leader, Maxime, is the only federal leader out there fighting for the freedom of Canadians! I have joined that fight!! I am ready to do anything and everything I can to help my community regain their freedoms and get their lives back! Once we accomplish that, we will be able to tackle all issues facing our community! I am excited to get to work!
MARK VERCOUTEREN – GREEN PARTY OF CANADA
Mark grew up in Chatham-Kent spending his teenage years at his family’s fruit stand, and greenhouse business, as well as working for various farmers over the years. This experience instilled a deep respect for the role that farmers play in communities across Canada, and the world.
Mark is an experienced campaigner with a love for his communities. Having run for the Green Party of Ontario 3 times previously, as well as for the Green Party of Canada in 2015 and 2019, he brings a high level of experience to present Green ideas to the people of Chatham-Kent-Leamington.
Mark looks forward to discussing with residents over the coming weeks on building a strong, sustainable, and compassionate community.
