Home Uncategorized Meet the Candidates: Chatham-Kent-Leamington

Meet the Candidates: Chatham-Kent-Leamington

PC – Trevor Jones  

Trevor is a lifelong resident of Chatham-Kent-Leamington who served his community with distinction for over twenty years. Trevor currently serves as a municipal Councillor in Leamington.

Trevor previously served as a police officer and worked closely alongside service groups and communities in the agricultural space.

Inspired by his unique experiences in law enforcement, his passion for his communities, and a desire to support innovation and food security, Trevor transitioned his career to a business executive role to advocate for Ontario’s agriculture sector and ensure it remains a world leader.

 

New Blue Party of Ontario – Rhonda Jubenville

Born and raised in Chatham, Rhonda Jubenville learned the fundamentals of running a business at a young age by being part of her family’s 43-year-old building supply/lumber yard. She knows what it takes to operate a successful, grassroots business from the ground up.

With two grown, university-educated children; Rhonda has been active in her community for many years. From the various ministries of the Catholic Church she attends, including serving as President of the Catholic Women’s League in her Parish, to serving on The Chatham Figure Skating Club’s board for 14 years and being President for 3.5 years, she loves serving the people in her community.

Rhonda has observed the slow decline in our province and was frustrated by how that was exacerbated over the past two years. With a $177 billion budget and nearly $20 billion deficit, there is no relief for already burdened Ontarians.

The pandemic highlighted the state of our healthcare, long-term care, education and small businesses. The Conservatives’ mishandling of these essential services and ministries inspired Rhonda to step out and make a difference for the people of Chatham-Kent Leamington.

The New Blue Party of Ontario was born out of standing up for the people of Ontario when Belinda voted NO on Bill 195.

If given the opportunity to serve the people of CKL at Queen’s Park, Rhonda will follow Belinda’s lead and won’t back down from political bullies or subscribe to cronyism. As a woman of integrity and honesty, she hopes the people of CKL will know they can lay their trust and confidence in her!

Rhonda Jubenville, New Blue Party Candidate Chatham-Kent-Leamington – YouTube

NDP – Brock McGregor 

Brock was born and raised in Chatham-Kent and calls the community home with his wife and four children.

During two terms on municipal council Brock has advocated for smart growth, investments in community infrastructure, and supports for vulnerable people. He introduced tougher regulations on payday lenders, and fought to build a more equitable community.

He is an active community organizer. Brock was an executive board member of the 2018 International Plowing Match, and is the long-serving president of the board for Rise House International, a charity operating a women’s safe haven in Haiti.

Brock McGregor, NDP Candidate Chatham-Kent-Leamington – YouTube

Ontario Party – Rick Nicholls  

Rick was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. He was first elected to the Ontario Legislative Assembly in October of 2011, and is proud to serve as the MPP for Chatham-Kent Leamington in his third term and the 42cd Parliament of Ontario. Since the last session of the 41st Parliament, the riding has expanded to include Pelee Island, Lakeshore, Stoney Point, Comber and Lighthouse Cove. The riding also changed its name from Chatham-Kent-Essex to Chatham-Kent–Leamington.

Before entering politics, Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to work with some of Canada’s most renowned companies via his company the Nicholls Training Group, including a major truck assembly plant, a natural gas utility, as well as clients spanning the finance, automotive, high tech, insurance, retail, hospitality, and education sectors. He also provided training and development for agencies in both the Canadian and U.S. governments.

At home, Rick is a proud husband, father, and grandfather, remaining active within the Chatham-Kent community. Rick has been involved with the Chatham-Kent Toastmasters, and was past president of Gideon’s International of Canada – Chatham chapter. He also coached little league baseball and sponsored girl’s minor soccer. Rick’s community involvement has also included Softball Canada as an umpire, for which he was recognized for his knowledge of the game, professionalism, and ability “to make the tough calls”.

His experience as a baseball umpire has been useful in the Ontario Legislature – Rick serves as the Government Deputy Speaker. He continuously demonstrates his passion for his work, serving on Caucus Advisory Teams for the Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, as well as the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. Two of Rick’s proposals from the last government -a concrete barrier on the 401 highway in Southwest Ontario and better safety standards for school-busses- have already been implemented in the first year of the new government. He looks forward to continuing this track record with more improvements to public policy for the benefit of families and communities.

Rick’s motto is accessible and accountable, maintaining responsive offices in Chatham, Leamington, and Queen’s Park.

Rick Nicholls, Ontario Party Chatham-Kent-Leamington – YouTube

Green – Jennifer Surerus 

Jennifer Surerus is invested in advancing social justice and systemic change that will improve quality of life for all in Chatham—Kent—Leamington.

A frontline healthcare worker for nearly two decades, Jennifer is currently a small business owner, a college teacher, and a full-time mature student. She recognizes that political involvement is crucial to give a voice to the critical issues of access to mental health care, affordable housing, and tackling the climate crisis. She is delighted to be running as a Green Party candidate.

Jennifer has a diploma in developmental services from Fanshawe College and a social justice and peace studies degree from King’s University College. She is presently working towards obtaining a Master’s in social work at York University, while also volunteering with a local food-rescue organization.

Jennifer believes in the transformative power of community relationships and that compassion can change the world. She will bring these values and leadership skills to Queen’s Park to build the Ontario we want.