Get to know your Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore candidates for the 2025 federal election. CTV Windsor has compiled elevator pitches and a question and answer with each candidate.
Nick Babic – People’s Party of Canada
Tell us a little bit about your life?
I was born and raised in Windsor, Ont. We moved around Windsor, until my parents found a spot that they could call home. So, I went to a few different schools, which is hard for a child to make new friends. My parents got divorced when I was 10. You don’t realize the psychological effects of that, until you’re older in life. That experience allows me to understand all the people affected by this. It’s something that people that come from a broken home can only understand.
I played football and baseball to a professional level. When I was 16, I was scouted by three major league baseball teams. I was a pitcher with an 85 miles per hour fastball back then. At one of the games, I threw out my arm, destroying my rotator cuff, and tearing my tendons. Unfortunately, being that young and having that happen, I became untouchable for a possible career in baseball, since you’re considered (damaged goods). One of the scouts said, “If you signed a contract before throwing out your arm, you’d be okay.”
After graduation, I decided to take a year off to experience life. One of the biggest mistakes I would make with that decision. I went from job to job, trade to trade searching to find myself. Then, I broke my lower back, which would change my life for the worst. To this day, I have traumatic pain that I would never wish upon anyone. I have experienced what it’s like firsthand to be on our so-called system of things. That system needs to be overhauled in drastic ways. Only people that have been on these systems know what you go through. If elected as MP, I will fight harder than any other politician to reform them, because they have no idea what it’s like. They can’t feel your pain, unless they have experienced it firsthand.
My parents were very disappointed in that decision of me to take a year off, but I’m hardheaded and stubborn. Both of those traits have become assets. Just look at me now, running for MP to save Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore from becoming a graveyard city, if our automotive industry leaves.
My message to our young adults is “stay in school, get a degree.” Fast forward to 2025, here I am. I have the passion, desire, will, and undying fight to take to Ottawa, that none of these other candidates has. Ask some of my closest friends and they will tell you how I never give up when I set my mind to something. I will always find a way to get the job done. That is where that hardheaded, stubbornness comes into play.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
The ways I would support our industry is by fighting Ottawa to implement two things from our People’s Party of Canada platform. One of them is stopping foreign aid so we can use our hard-earned tax dollars here at home for Canadian problems. We would have more than enough money to help all sectors of business to fight these tariffs.
Secondly is by cutting the corporate tax rate. We have to be competitive with the U.S. Many businesses in Canada have left because of that. Our government to this day won’t budge to make that change. They have to in order to save Canadian jobs. I will immediately petition Parliament to do both of those on day one. I will petition them every day, until they come through. How can our government be that irresponsible and reckless not to see how Canadians are struggling? Our Party Leader Maxime Bernier is the only one willing to negotiate to save Canadian jobs and businesses from leaving. His sentiment is now being echoed by other politicians, and even two Premiers.
Did you know that from the 1970s to now the number of dairy farms has dropped from around 145,000 to roughly 10,000? Just ask farmers. The problem is Ottawa’s supply management policy, which makes it close to impossible for young farmers to start up farms actually. Did you know that Canada has 150 per cent tariffs on eggs, and 300 per cent tariffs on butter, because our market is so exorbitant it keeps out most imports? As your MP, I would fight Ottawa on this, alongside other MPs that have farms in their ridings. Why aren’t the current MPs that have ridings where farms are, doing just that? You can count on me for being their voice in Ottawa as your MP. We need to phase out the current supply management system which is costing our farmers. We need to allow our farmers to be able to sell their products internationally. I have a plan to bring all of our farmers together, so they can all benefit equally and thrive.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong.
What did our previous government get wrong? That list is too long, and I would need to write a book on it. To answer this picking one thing, I will have to say our foreign aid policy. The reason I chose this is because of the situation we are in right now with these tariffs. Billions of Canadians’ tax dollars are being thrown away recklessly to other countries on their problems. Why should we fund other countries’ entire green programs? Are we the Bank of Canada? Until we help our own citizens fully, we shouldn’t be helping any other country, for the fault of their governments being irresponsible and reckless with their tax dollars. Those billions would absolutely help all sectors of our industry. This is where our tax dollars need to be, and nowhere else. We would have the money to fund our hospitals in allowing them to hire more doctors, nurses, open more beds, and paying competitive wages keeping our Canadians here. The wait times at hospitals would almost be nothing if our government cared for Canadians the way they should. I will be reminding them that daily in Ottawa as your MP.
Name one thing the previous government got right.
What did our previous government get right? If they got things right, we wouldn’t be having this election. The only things that I’m concerned about is knowing that our government hasn’t done anything right by Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore. They have done nothing with their policies in giving us the ability to bring new jobs here. You need someone with strong leadership skills and viable solutions to tackle the problem here in Windsor. That person is me, Nick Babic. Our unemployment rate is the highest in Canada and has been for close to 15+ years. That tells me that our government, our incumbent Irek Kusmierczyk, haven’t done their jobs. The two major things our previous governments could have done years and decades ago is to cut corporate tax and stop foreign aid that funds other countries’ problems. We wouldn’t be in the massive debt we are in if we had a government for the people.
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
Whenever I have family or friends coming to Windsor, I always take them to the flag downtown, and the train is down there also. We have a beautiful fountain, with all the flowers, and a view of the river with Detroit in the background. There is always Jackson Park, which I always went to with my parents many times. Now, depending on the time of year they come, we have our arts in the park, our wine festival, the Windsor-Detroit fireworks, which I love best. It brings all our Windsorites downtown to have fun with the entire family.
Always need to take that trip out to Point Pelee, to see the boardwalk, you can canoe, and the beaches. There is Seacliff Park, Hillman Marsh Conservation, Pelee Island Winery, Muscedere Vineyards, and of course Leamington is the tomato capital. We used to take field trips with our schools to farms to make cheese and roast marshmallows. I miss those days, and the fresh country air. There are so many places to see, and I know I missed quite a bit. Windsor-Essex is a must see for the entire family!
What do you want voters to know about you?
The people of Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore should know, I will bring the fight to Ottawa on behalf of all our citizens. I won’t give up until our once proud city is restored to being the Automotive Capital of Canada again. You can count on me from day one in Ottawa as your MP to fight to bring jobs back, to create new jobs, in all sectors of our industry, which has been absent by all incumbents prior to me. I will hold Ottawa accountable for every and any failures they make. I have serious plans for Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore, and I have the knowledge needed to implement these plans. I want you to know that I have the passion, drive, will, and life experience in most sectors of our industry, to absolutely understand what you go through. I’ve been there, I’ve done it, I’ve broken my back, and know 100 per cent the pain we go through. This is something that none of the other candidates for MP know. I, Nick Babic, will fight the hardest for all of us here. I bring strong leadership and have the solutions to all of our problems. I have ideas that no other candidate has ever thought of, in creating new jobs here. I will bring back jobs that have left. When you call my office, I’ll be the one calling you back. I will make the time to return all calls put forward to me. Ask my friends and they will tell you I always find a way to get the job done. They will tell you that I don’t give up until the job is done. Again, I’m the only candidate that understands what you’ve gone through. I will fight the hardest for you and your family. On April 28, elect Nick Babic for the change we need, and desire!
Kathy Borrelli – Conservative Party of Canada
Borrelli declined the Elevator Pitch opportunity and did not provide answers to the questions provided by CTV News.
Helmi Charif – Centrist Party of Canada
Charif declined the Elevator Pitch opportunity.
Tell us a little about your life?
I am a person who loves life, accepts its ups and downs, and always tries to make it better. I am hardworking and ambitious, and I am not afraid of facing challenges. I am passionate about my work and know how to accomplish it. I describe myself as an open, honest, and very humane person. I do not believe in misleading others, and I strive to be fair in everything I do. My life is full of social interactions. I love people and I am always keen to help them and solve their problems. I can never remain silent in the face of injustice.
My family is my top priority, and I have been keen to raise them with a good upbringing based on human values and knowledge.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
To support and protect the Canadian auto industry, especially here in Essex County, we need to implement a multi-pronged approach, including establishing a strategic response fund, building an “All-in-Canada” network for auto parts, maximizing Canada’s natural resources for critical minerals, and prioritizing Canadian-built vehicle procurement. This would involve securing new automaker production mandates, attracting investment, and investing in worker skills development and innovation.
As for protecting greenhouses and farmers in Essex County, the best solution for now is to find a pathway and resolve between the countries impacted. Because retaliatory tariffs will drive up prices for consumers on both sides of the border and meanwhile, we have to find new trade partners.
Name One thing the previous government got wrong?
I would say the carbon tax.
Name one thing the previous government got right?
I would say waiving student loan payments.
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
I prefer the riverfront and the art gallery and the Ojibway Nature (Centre).
What do you want voters to know about you?
I want voters to know that I am an excellent listener, I can understand their concerns very well and act to deliver positive results. I am a man who dedicate(s) his life to serving people. I always answer my phone.
Alex Ilijoski – New Democratic Party of Canada
Tell us a little bit about your life?
I’ve worked the front lines as an Ambulance Communications Officer right here in Windsor. I know what crisis looks like and I know that people in our community are living through one every day: Unaffordable housing, an overstretched healthcare system, and wages that just aren’t keeping up.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
The NDP has robust plans for helping people affected by Trump’s tariffs. Our infrastructure plan will ensure that we put tens of thousands of Canadians to work building the bridges and roads we need using Canadian steel and lumber. We will protect auto jobs by stopping American companies from taking their equipment out of the country and removing GST from Canadian-made cars. And we will fight for the things that working families care about, including measures to help with the affordability of everyday life: Capping the price on groceries, taking GST off of heating, cell, and internet bills, and cutting taxes for working and middle-class families. I will fight for the needs of regular people – not the profits of billionaires and big corporations.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong.
Mark Carney cut taxes for people making ($)41.4 million per year. This will cost us ($)17 billion dollars over five years – money that could have gone to protecting workers and farmers affected by tariffs.
Name one thing the previous government got right.
After the NDP forced their hand, they began implementing the national pharmacare program.
If you have out-of-town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
Point Pelee National Park! It’s a gem in our region with so many beautiful sights – and in the spring, so many gorgeous birds visiting!
What do you want voters to know about you?
If elected, I’ll fight to make housing affordable again, protect our public healthcare system, and stand up for workers’ rights because no one working full-time should be struggling to make ends meet.
I’ve spent years advocating for our community — as a union steward, a mentor to youth, and a volunteer with local organizations. I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to deliver real results for everyday people.
On election day, vote for someone who won’t just listen — but will fight for you.
Irek Kusmierczyk – Liberal Party of Canada
Tell us a little bit about your life.
I proudly served as Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh since 2019 and was appointed by the Prime Minister as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Employment, Workforce Development, Labour, Disability Inclusion and Seniors. I have delivered over $16 billion in federal investment to our region of Windsor-Essex - the most of any community in Canada - including record investment for jobs, housing and infrastructure, a new Battery Plant (NextStar Energy), new Gordie Howe (International) Bridge, new buses and trains, and a new Ojibway National Urban Park.
My family and I have lived in Windsor for more than 40 years, after immigrating to Canada from Poland. My dad worked in the auto industry and my mom was a teller at a small local credit union. Their passion for community service led me to first serve on Windsor City Council, where I was elected to three consecutive times. I graduated with a PhD from Vanderbilt University, with a specialization in local government and cross-border environmental relations around the Great Lakes basin, and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics. My wife Shauna is a proud graduate of the University of Windsor and is a local Nurse Practitioner serving residents in Windsor-Essex.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
Our community of Windsor-Essex is on the frontlines of Trump’s economic warfare and his tariffs are a direct attack on our workers, our economy, and our sovereignty. That is the reason (Liberal Party of Canada leader) Mark Carney has visited Windsor-Essex twice in the last month. We must hit back hard and fast, but also smart, maximizing the impact on Americans and minimizing the impact on Canadian workers and industry. Our response is built on three pillars.
First, fighting back with strong counter tariffs on $155 billion of American made products including 25 per cent on U.S. made autos. Note that we did not put counter tariffs on auto parts, because we understand just how integrated that sector is, and we do not want to impact Canadian workers.
Second, protecting Canadian workers. We have put forward a $2 billion Strategic Response Fund to mitigate the impact of Trump’s tariffs on local workers and we strengthened EI and made it instantly accessible to help local workers impacted.
Finally, we must take this moment to build the strongest economy in the G7 that also strengthens our sovereignty by eliminating provincial trade barriers - creating one strong economy, not 13 - and by diversifying our trade and finding other markets and partners to purchase our manufacturing and agricultural products and services. And it also means this is a time to build on the $16 billion of federal investment I’ve delivered for our region - the most in Canada. And it is time to build nation building projects such as the battery plant, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, doubling the rate of home construction, and building a Made in Canada defense industry. That is how we turn a challenge into an opportunity.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong.
In delivering a record $200 billion of transfers to the provinces for healthcare, we need to do a better job of holding provinces to account and to make sure that this historic funding is spent smartly on the key things Canadians expect, like hiring more doctors, more nurses, and cutting E.R. wait times. We absolutely need to do a better job of measuring outcomes so that Canadians can feel our healthcare services improving. As someone once told me, if you treasure it, measure it.
Name one thing the previous government got right.
Delivering the largest auto investment in Canadian history right here in Windsor-Essex in the battery plant that is providing jobs for 4,500 local workers and partnering with labour and industry to deliver $50 billion of auto investment over the last four years, revitalizing the manufacturing heartland in Southwestern Ontario, and kickstarting a world-leading EV industry right here in Canada.
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
I always love showing family and friends our waterfront and especially the Peace Fountain.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I pride myself on being hard working, accountable, and available to residents.
Beth St. Denis – Christian Heritage Party of Canada
Tell us a little bit about your life?
Hello, my name is Beth, and I am a lifelong resident of Windsor. With nearly two decades of experience in business management, I currently serve as the Executive Manager of a small business. My dedication to the community is reflected in my active involvement in my local church, where I mentor young adults (ages 18–25), and assist in seniors’ ministry.
Over the past five years, I have been engaged in grassroots community activism, including a candidacy for Ward 6 City Councillor in the 2022 municipal election. I am a passionate advocate for children and have spoken before the Greater Essex County District School Board Trustees on multiple occasions, addressing concerns regarding public accountability and governance.
In addition to my professional and civic responsibilities, I host a podcast titled “The Truth Trumpet”, where we discuss Christianity, current events, and matters affecting our local community. During my personal time, I enjoy spending quality time with my son and Godsons, and I am an avid roller coaster enthusiast.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
As a border town, Windsor is uniquely affected by the imposition of U.S. tariffs, an issue of genuine concern for our region. The Christian Heritage Party would not respond to such measures with dollar-for-dollar retaliation on American goods. Instead, we propose a strategic and principled approach focused on strengthening Canada’s economic foundation.
Our plan includes:
- Encouraging domestic manufacturing to boost self-reliance and resilience.
- Promoting Canada’s oil and gas industry to achieve true energy independence.
- Investing in agriculture, one of Canada’s most vital and enduring sectors.
- Expanding the development and extraction of minerals, precious metals, ores, and other non-renewable resources that contribute significantly to national prosperity.
- Enhancing border security to ensure the safe and efficient flow of goods and people.
With a stronger, more self-sufficient economy, Canada would be well-positioned to negotiate in good faith with the United States, with the goal of eliminating tariffs and trade barriers.
The United States is our most important ally. Our two nations must continue to work together in the spirit of mutual respect, partnership, and shared prosperity. Resorting to name-calling, insults, or threats only undermines goodwill and jeopardizes the essential relationship we share.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong.
The current state of Canada’s economy is deeply troubling, and much of this crisis can be attributed to the Liberal government’s gross mismanagement since taking office in 2015. Their fiscal and policy decisions have led to:
- A doubling of our national debt, now reaching over $1.2 trillion.
- Excessive taxation, placing a heavy burden on hardworking Canadians.
- Restrictive policies on our natural resource industries, stifling economic growth and job creation.
- Unsustainable levels of immigration, which have placed overwhelming pressure on our housing market and health care system.
- A dramatic decline in our GDP, reflecting a weakening national economy.
- Strained relations with our largest trading partner, the United States.
These outcomes are not just unfortunate, they are unacceptable. Canadians deserve competent leadership that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, economic freedom, and strategic growth.
The legacy of this government is one of failed policies and missed opportunities. We are now faced with the task of rebuilding what has been lost and restoring confidence in Canada’s economic future.
Name one thing the previous government got right.
It is difficult to identify any area in which the current government has succeeded. Their track record reflects a pattern of consistent failure across key sectors of our economy and society. The scale of their mismanagement is unprecedented, and the consequences have been deeply damaging.
Canadians are now facing the aftermath of reckless spending, poor fiscal planning, and policy decisions that have undermined our nation’s economic stability. The result is a country teetering on the edge of financial ruin—struggling with inflation, a housing crisis, strained public services, and diminishing global influence.
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
When hosting guests from out of town, I always aim to showcase the very best of Windsor-Essex. My top recommendation has always been the Peace Fountain, a truly iconic Windsor landmark. While the new installation isn’t expected until 2027, its legacy as a symbol of beauty and tranquility along our waterfront remains unmatched.
As an alternative, I recommend a boat cruise with Windsor Premier Cruises along the Detroit River. Our waterfront is one of the most unique in Canada, boasting stunning views, and the rare experience of being right next to another country. It’s an incredible reminder of the peaceful relationship we share with the United States.
If possible, I always encourage guests to visit in June so they can experience the Carrousel of Nations, a cultural celebration that’s been a cherished tradition in my life since childhood. It’s a vibrant, joyful event that captures the heart of our diverse community.
For dining, I love supporting our fantastic local restaurants. Armando’s, The Lumberjack, and The Greek Grill each offer a delicious taste of Windsor’s culinary scene. As for dessert, I simply can’t choose between Italia Bakery and Blak’s Bakery. Both are iconic in their own right, and as far as I’m concerned, there’s no such thing as too much dessert!
Windsor is truly a special place. We are blessed to live in a community that is rich in culture, history, and hospitality and I’m always proud to share it with others.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I am a Christian woman who believes in the supremacy of God and the rule of law. My convictions guide every aspect of my life and leadership, including my unwavering belief in the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death.
With a strong background in business management, I bring a strategic, results-oriented mindset to every challenge. I am known for being reliable, efficient, and articulate, with a deep passion for life and a sincere commitment to serving others.
Above all, I am dedicated to representing the citizens of my community with honesty, principle, and unwavering dedication. A vote for me is a vote for integrity, moral leadership, and a genuine heart for our hometown. I will always be a voice for the people, standing firm in truth and serving with purpose.
Roxanne Tellier – Green Party of Canada
Tell us a little bit about your life?
I’m retired from a life spent mostly in show biz. I married my husband and creative partner around 40 years ago, and we have two daughters and four grandchildren. Since moving to Windsor in 2022 (from Toronto), I’ve been appointed to sit on the Age Friendly Working Group of Windsor’s City Hall (2022-2026), have become involved with local community theatres, write/edit a monthly newsletter for the Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Organization, host a donation site for recycling prescription bottles for use by Medecins San Frontiers/Doctors without Borders use in third world countries, and have started a little mail order business where I hope to sell pet supplies and designer clothing. For over 10 years I wrote about politics (mostly American, although I really, really didn’t like Harper!) for a web publication, and I have a website called frustratedboomers.com. So, yes, I’m full of opinions! (at least, that is what the kind people say... I have heard others say I’m full of something else.)
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
Trump’s tariffs, while infuriating, are also unpredictable and seem independent of any logic beyond the whimsy of the moment, so I’d be loath to make any sweeping economic decisions until there’s more information available. I’ve read that Windsor ranked as one of the most vulnerable cities to Trump’s tariffs in Ontario, due to a tariff exposure index of 61.7 per cent, based on our excess trade intensity and export dependence on the U.S.
With Ford and Stellantis operating major automotive assembly plants with consistent two-way trade into Michigan, we’ve already seen some accommodation to the tariffs in layoffs. But this on again/off again inconsistency won’t allow any of our industries to get a solid footing in the future. Until there’s more certainty in what future tariffs will look like, planning is futile. Buy Canadian!
Name one thing the previous government got wrong. Name one thing the previous government got right.
Trudeau’s government tackled so many important issues over the last decade that it would be a miracle if they hadn’t gotten a few things wrong. Politicians are humans, and humans make mistakes. Sometimes the things that we hoped a new leader would be able to enact just can’t work out as we’d hoped, and often for reasons way above my pay grade.
Something that really disappointed me was the lack of approval for changing our current ‘First Past the Post’ to ‘Proportional Representation.’ Trudeau solemnly pledged to change the electoral system but dropped the ball after a lengthy review of the issue and refused to put the question to a referendum. I consider that a fail.
But give him his due; Trudeau’s government earned its share of ribbons. Beyond the legalization of marijuana, and the naming of Canada’s first gender-balanced cabinet, Trudeau also was able to implement the Canada Child Benefit, which lifted hundreds of thousands of Canadian children out of poverty. And during the pandemic, no matter what you may think about the aftermath, Canada managed to avoid the carnage that slashed and burned through the United States and the United Kingdom, by following the advice of professional health experts. Canada performed better than comparable countries, with the second lowest rate of COVID-19 related deaths worldwide. And since the pandemic, Canada’s GDP growth has outpaced that of other G7 countries. Credit where credit is due!
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
We had a stroke of luck in finding our new home in Walkerville, and I am proud to sing the praises of the area. Out of town guests would be treated to a tour of the area, probably beginning with espressos at Taloola Café on Devonshire, before a leisurely stroll and window shop of the stores on Wyandotte. If we timed it right, we’d climb aboard the Rum Runners Tour bus for an adventure that would really bring the spirit of Prohibition-era to life, enjoying thrilling tales, lively music, and a delicious meal. After that, I’d love to show visitors the Devonshire Lodge, also known as the Low-Martin House, that has a history that spans from its building in 1927 by renowned Rumrunner Harry Low to a modern day reno by businessman Vern Myslichuk. It’s rumoured that there are still secret tunnels in the basement, and that guests to the mansion included Al Capone and Detroit’s Purple Gang! After the Lows were forced to move, there were two local owners before the house was sold to the wife of Paul Martin Sr., father of Prime Minister Paul Martin, and himself the former minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada. During their ownership, the family hosted the likes of Prime Ministers Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Elliot Trudeau. The house is a jewel, and it’s for sale right now, if you’ve got $3 million or $4 million to spare!
What do you want voters to know about you?
My platform is based on justice, peace, environmental concerns, and a desire for (governments) to care more about the common people than what concerns the wealthy. It’s great to favour business, just as long as we can reduce the need for food banks and find shelter for those that need it. After all, no one wants to visit or live in a city that is business friendly, but unfriendly to its own citizens.
I believe in a government that puts people first — one that tackles homelessness, food insecurity, and environmental challenges with real, lasting solutions. We need leadership that understands how angry and frustrated people have become, as they’ve dealt with the after-effects of a deadly pandemic, only to be then faced with a U.S. president that ‘jokes’ that he’s going to make Canada the 51st state. We need a government that prioritizes the needs of the people over the whims of those trying to take away what Ontarians have paid for over the last few decades with their tax dollars.
My message? Elbows Up, Canada! And vote!
