The federal election race in Kanata is heating up and voters in the riding say the big issues range from affordability to what’s happening south of the border.
This riding was once known as Kanata–Carleton, which stretched as far west as Renfrew. It has elected a Liberal in three elections.
“I do like Mark Carney. But I wonder if a change is in order, for change’s sake,” said Kanata resident Giorgio Maiolo. “We’ve gone backwards, this country the last ten years, in so many different ways. Policies, growth, infrastructure.”
The four main candidates running in the riding are Liberal incumbent Jenna Sudds, Conservative candidate Greg Kung, NDP candidate Melissa Simon and Green Party candidate Jennifer Purdy.
Sudds, a former cabinet minister and city councillor, says this election is about U.S. tariffs.
“What I’m hearing from people is the anxiety that they are feeling because of what we are seeing from President Trump,” Sudds said. “So that is the moment we are in. That is the issue of the day. And ensuring that I’m there to work on their behalf to ensure that we can move forward as a country, as a sovereign country, with secure jobs, is of utmost importance here in my community.”
Other candidates say a top issue is the high cost of living.
“Investing in housing and affordable housing is extremely important, and I think that needs to be funded by people who are extremely wealthy, wealthy corporations,” said NDP candidate Melissa Simon.
“We are in the midst of an affordability crisis, and this is even before the entire impact of Trump’s actions become known,” said Green Party candidate Jennifer Purdy. “And so, we need a choice that will look after the economy, look after our sovereignty and our defense, and also look after individuals and families in terms of affordability, in terms of housing.”
CTV News Ottawa reached out to Conservative candidate Greg Kung. Kung refused an interview.
Also running is Centrist Party of Canada candidate Moinuddin Siddiqui. The party’s website cites Trump, health care, government spending and taxation, immigration, gun owners’ rights, and workers’ rights among its priorities.
As for other concerns:
“Honesty. Simple honesty. Putting the people first,” said Kanata resident Merv Visneskie.
“Well, the economy for sure. And you know, what’s going on with our neighbors across the border, that’s on everybody’s mind. And the other thing is, immigration policy,” said Kanata resident John Hunter.
“Change needs to happen. And we need to go in a different direction. We need to be managed properly,” said Kanata resident Julie Maiolo.
The Kanata riding is more urban. It includes much of Kanata and now Bells Corners.
