Good evening Kawartha Lakes! It was here that I decided to close my last campaign during the general election in Central Ontario, and I thought that I’d return here to do so again in this by-election. We are in very different times, even if they aren’t that far apart in time - although my commitment to representing the people hasn’t changed, and that’s why I’d like the honour of representing Central Ontario as your next Member of Parliament.

We’ve seen in recent months how the Pirate Party has grown to be a large and competing force in Canadian politics. We have more Members of Parliament, we’re continuing to present legislation in Parliament, and there are more and more people who are open to voting for the Pirate platform. This was existent more than ever in the general election when we saw a substantial increase in the number of votes for me here, in Central Ontario, although it was not enough for us to win. We’re hoping and fighting for that to change tomorrow - and build upon our agenda to build a new Canada.

One thing I would like to speak to you about today is healthcare. This is something that is incredibly important for people around Canada, and around Ontario - and definitely an area where improvements can be made. Accessible healthcare, there in the times where we need it, is the bedrock of any modern society - and this is something we fundamentally believe in. Whilst there are many positives of our current provisions, there are deficiencies that can be rectified.

On mental health, there are some areas that I would like to see improved. As your Member of Parliament I would advocate for more funding that can be directed towards schemes specialising in fast-tracked support for first responders and those who work on the front-line. It is right that we are there for those who serve for all of us, and that there are enhanced and adequate provisions in place for them at all times. I would also support reforms where necessary to mental health support for young people, especially in ensuring that there is easily accessible support in educational establishments with ratios that are fair and less burdensome. These staff places are significantly important and we should provide more direct funding where possible.

There are other comprehensive changes that I’d like to advocate for as your Member of Parliament. Whilst restructuring is something that no doubt would be complicated, it does not mean that we should shy away from reforms that can better healthcare services for patients across Ontario and Canada. We should start by further lessening private involvement in areas such as prescriptions and explore the transition to universal pharmacare, whilst in the meantime doing more to support the working population with access to medicines.

There is more to be done in this area and this is another place where I intend to be a proactive Member of Parliament, focused on delivering the changes that will create a better Central Ontario for the generations that succeed us. We have an opportunity to create fundamental changes in the hope that we can build a new Canada, and I hope that the people of Central Ontario will seize that opportunity by voting for me to be their next Member of Parliament.

For perhaps the final time in the campaign, the Pirate Party directed letters for constituents as the final act of canvassing.

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