PoliticoBailey’s campaign to be the Pirate Member of Parliament for Southwestern Ontario was moving well and there was a large effort to connect with voters. After his speech in Windsor, he decided to take the campaign to Sarnia, in an attempt to continue discussing the policies that would truly bring transformative change to local communities. This by-election provides a brilliant opportunity to put forward the case for a Pirate Member of Parliament - and what can be delivered for Ontario, and the Canadian people who were looking for true representation.

“It’s good to be here today in Sarnia. Yesterday, I visited Windsor, and today I’m here to outline some more of my vision for Southwestern Ontario. I believe in being an effective representative, and will work tirelessly as your Member of Parliament to deliver policies and legislation which will create a positive impact for families and communities across Sarnia and Southwestern Ontario. That is what you can expect from me as a prospective Member of Parliament, and from the Pirate Party more widely as a force in Canadian politics.

This by-election presents an opportunity so soon after the federal election that we recently saw unfold. It allows the political parties and us candidates to put forward their vision once again to the electorate, so soon after the election we’ve seen before. Whilst the Pirate Party did not stand here in the federal election, we are taking the opportunity to present what we can do for you - and what I can deliver as your Member of Parliament. We’re transparent about what we offer - it’s a vision of change. A fairer economy, a functional justice system, and more equal representation.

Our policies for a fairer economy which delivers for all Canadians has always been clear, and we’ll continue to champion these policies which we believe will bring a transformative benefit to families and working people. We’re committed to a future where all Canadians can live in a society free of poverty and inequality. These principles lie within our calls for a Universal Basic Income, which I repeat today in this campaign. By introducing UBI for the people of Southwestern Ontario, and the Canadian people more widely, we would ensure that every person and family are given the money they need to afford their basic needs - regardless of their socioeconomic status. This would rise in line with inflation, and be a fundamental reform in the fight against poverty - now, and in the years to come. However, the Pirates ambitions for welfare would not stop there, with our policy for a National Food Bank. This would give every Canadian the right to access essential food and hygiene products, ensuring that everyone in Canada - whether in Southwestern Ontario or elsewhere - are afforded access to necessities when needed.

We’re committed to a Justice system which actually puts our communities first as well. As your Member of Parliament, I would support putting more money into our Judiciary and legal aid systems - to lower backlogs, reduce pressures, and ensure that we have a system that is functional and delivering. This should be a priority for any Government and politicians, and it’s something that we will champion. The Pirate Party will also look at rehabilitation and education as core principles of our Justice system, focusing on an approach that will put communities at the heart of our institutions - rather than focusing purely on punishment.

Finally, I’ll touch upon indigenous rights - a topic that the Pirate Party have been proud to talk about and a topic where we are vocal about our approach and policies. Indigenous rights are essential in a modern Canada, and a modern Ontario. As your Member of Parliament alongside /u/model-avtron, we would push for a Truth and Reconciliation Committee which would work to ensure Canada works for Indigenous people.

We need more Pirate voices in Parliament. We may be a smaller party in our political system - however I will continue to advocate for a fairer and more democratic society, a more equal welfare system, and institutions that deliver for all Canadians. The best choice for the people of Southwestern Ontario is a Pirate Member of Parliament, and I hope that you will consider voting for me as your next elected representative.”

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Posters displayed and handed out.