I’ve always been engaged and interested in public service from a young age. My family came to Canada as refugees and relied on government support and community services. I value what was poured into me from my community, and always wanted to give that back in how I live my life and in the work I do.

 

As a longtime resident, I have seen the intense growth in our community and have become familiar with the associated growing pains. I have concerns over affordability, from groceries, to housing, the struggle to find gainful employment, and the lack of healthcare services. As a full time stay at home parent, I have felt the pinch at home, which concerns me for those in less privileged positions. Not only can I feel the impacts at home, I can see the impacts everywhere in my community in a way I have not seen before.

 

We should feel safe in our neighbourhoods and support the human rights of all the residents of the Region. As our children grow up they should be able to live and work within their own community. In our old age, you and I should be able to age in place without the worry of whether we can continue to afford living here. I feel a strong call to action to ensure our community grows in the right direction, a direction that uplifts all who live here.