Get to know your Windsor West candidates for the 2025 federal election. CTV Windsor has compiled elevator pitches and a question and answer with each candidate.
Note: Some candidate answers may contain controversial content. CTV News did not edit the candidate submissions. The comments of the candidates do not necessarily reflect those of CTV News.
Louay Ahmad – Green Party of Canada
Ahmad declined the elevator pitch opportunity.
Tell us a little bit about your life?
When I was 10 years old, I immigrated to Canada from Lebanon. I still visit my country of origin from time to time, and a specific event during those travels geared me towards environmentalism: An encounter with a Syrian Brown Bear. Locked away at a wildlife preserve that was barely scraping by, this endangered specimen - so famished it had the proportions of a man - stood testament to our abuse of the environment. Extinct in the wilderness of its namesake, this biblical creature was reduced to life support provided by those who destroyed its home. In a sense, with the climate crisis looming and the wealth gap increasing, could you not say that people are creating this condition for themselves? Today, I am a Political Science student at the University of Windsor. At a time where environmental activism in Canada is in one of its worst states, I’d like to make use of what I’ve learned in my field and voice the youth’s grievances regarding our future.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
On the surface, it’s oxymoronic for a Green Party candidate to run in a city so renowned for its auto industry. I would argue that it’s necessary. We must ensure we are not left behind as global manufacturers, adopt new tactics. Our methodology is not a utilitarian one, where we believe that jobs must be lost for the smallest reduction in carbon emissions, but rather a pragmatic one, where we believe in the need to ease and subsidize our transition to the future. This preamble sums up our ideology regarding these affected industries.
Outside of Tesla - now rightfully a pariah - there’s a lack of notable electric vehicle manufacturers in the west. In fact, at the time of this writing, Europe is in negotiations with China to import their fill. Our government has a chance to swoop in and make Canadian technology upheave the world once again. We need to create Canadian electric vehicles through the use of heavy subsidization. This would America-proof our auto industry in the sense that we’d join a dedicated alternate market and become less reliant on dealing with our neighbour. To make this feasible, however, we also need to fund the installation of electric vehicle infrastructure. As expensive as this all sounds, it would still cost less than the billions in bailouts we give away to oil companies. I’m not privy to the argument that this is excessive for Trump’s four-year tenure either; we must assume that any Republican who holds office in the future will inherit the same hostility towards us. In the immediate present, however, I support keeping these companies afloat through heavy investment, so long as they agree to establish emission reduction plan timelines.
When it comes to Windsor’s greenhouse sector and Essex County’s farmers, I seek to bolster the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program. Farmland in Canada is already subject to a reduced property tax rate, but the tariffs are a dire enough threat that I support exempting non-corporate agricultural sites entirely. Another hindrance that requires re-examination is “Plant Breeders’ Rights”. In effect, it enables individuals and corporations to patent genetically modified species of crops. Could you imagine getting sued for planting something? The silver lining is that this policy led to Farmers’ Privilege, which allows agriculturalists to save seeds from crops and reuse them. Ironically, a proposed amendment last year seeked to overturn that policy. In its place, the payment of royalties towards seed companies, sometimes for decades after the acquisition of their products, was to be enforced. In the strongest terms, I oppose government and corporate overreach in agriculture.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong. Name one thing the previous government got right.
One thing the last government got wrong? It sat by and sold weapons to Israel while it ethnically cleansed Palestine. Canada just can’t help itself from participating in Indigenous genocides. Let’s address three things:
1. A lot of people whose credentials don’t supersede that of the collective International Criminal Court disagree with the word “genocide”. By all means, come up with a different word for mass extermination. Otherwise, I will use the word genocide.
2. A lot of people hate when the Green Party talks about “social justice topics”. That is topics that affect minorities. We’re a solidly left-wing party, so I’m not sure what they expected. For what it’s worth, I personally don’t see it as a political matter, but a moral one.
3. A lot of people assert that individuals of my background are too biased to speak on the topic, but where does it get us if the victims of an injustice can’t testify? I can tell you objectively that Israel razed every building I knew as a kid and destroyed the homes of every family member I have. There’s a very high chance that Canadian weapons were used for those purposes. The Liberal Party is dead to me. One thing the last government got right? I liked the Carbon Tax, though it had its flaws. Past the obvious environmental benefit, eight in 10 Canadians made a net profit whenever a rebate came in. That said, agriculturalists were adversely affected, and I believe much greater exemptions should have been afforded to them. It would have been a good compromise, but I’m sure people still would have complained. Anyways, a Carbon Tax doesn’t make sense when your only available electric vehicle is a Tesla. I hope it can be re-established in the future with these gripes in mind when there’s more options on the electric vehicle market.
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
I’m very partial to the riverfront, especially in the summer when the carnival’s on. Otherwise, it’s still a very worthwhile location to visit. There’s something hypnotic about the coast. I might be in the minority here, but I enjoy the wildlife too, despite the geese being aggressive. Overall, it’s just a nice place to unwind.
What do you want voters to know about you?
All my electors and volunteers are students. I don’t claim to speak on behalf of my cohort, but I do represent a contingent of them. The one-two punch of the provincial government’s defunding of education and the federal government’s international student policy will destroy many livelihoods and futures. We oppose any and all cuts to education, no matter the party it comes from. If you’re a student, mobilizing and voting is necessary. There’s a host of wonderful candidates on the ballot that want to keep your programs open, and your professors employed, including yours truly. To keep up with our fight, you can find our campaign on Instagram under the handle @votelouay.
Jacob Bezaire – People’s Party of Canada
Tell us a little bit about your life?
I was born here in Windsor at Hotel-Dieu Grace (Hospital). I’m a single father, a tradesman in the automotive and manufacturing sector. I’ve worked in this sector my whole life. This is what I know best.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
I would advocate the end (of) all tariffs, cut regulations, end supply management, and lower taxes. Let the farmers and market decide. When the government gets involved in something, they tend to screw it up. So, it’s best to let the professionals do their jobs without government interference.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong. Name one thing the previous government got right.
If I had to pick one thing they got wrong, I would say they shut down this city, and this country over a flu.
One thing Brian Masse got right was blocking the transportation of hazardous chemicals across the bridge, in case (of) a spill, and contaminating out waters. That was wise.
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
I would bring them down to the waterfront. It’s a good place to walk, lots of artwork, beautiful view, the river, and the bridges. It’s an excellent spot.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I want the voters to know I’m one of you. I’m a fairly normal guy, who’s just tired of being broke. I’ve seen this city deteriorate enough, and something has to be done. We can’t keep doing the same thing over and over and expect something to change. The only change that’s been happening here recently has been for the worst. I’ve had it, and I’m willing to fight for it.
Harbinder Gill – Conservative Party of Canada
Tell us a little bit about your life?
My story is like one of many other Canadians. I came to this country in the 80s, full of hope, and ambition. Canada and Canadian citizens welcomed me. This great nation and its people gave me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams, and I made a promise to give back.
I have lived in the Windsor-Essex region for over 30 years. It’s where my wife, Michelle, and I are raising our two children. I have also served for almost three decades as a police officer — first in Toronto, and then in LaSalle. That career gave me the privilege of working directly with people, solving problems, and helping build stronger, safer communities.
Along the way, I earned degrees in criminology, sociology. But more than anything, life in Canada has taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and standing up for others — especially when times get tough.
Now, I want to bring that same experience and commitment to public service to Ottawa because Windsor West deserves a voice that understands its struggles and will fight every day to build a stronger future for all of us.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
As someone who’s lived and worked in Windsor-Essex for nearly three decades, I know how critical the auto industry, greenhouses, and our farmers are to the strength of this region. These aren’t just sectors — they’re the backbone of our local economy, and they support thousands of families in our community.
If elected, I will fight tirelessly to protect these industries from unfair U.S. tariffs.
Under Poilievre’s leadership, the Conservative Party is committed to:
- Creating a $3 billion Keep Canadians Working Fund to protect Canadian jobs, including in manufacturing sectors under threat from U.S. tariffs
- Cutting income taxes by 15 per cent to save working families up to $2,000 a year
- Lowering taxes for seniors and supporting fairness for travelling trades workers
- Eliminating the industrial carbon tax
- Building more homes by axing the GST on new builds under $1.3 million
- Investing in skilled trades — “boots, not suits” — to power the next generation of workers
- Developing a Canada First National Energy Corridor to enhance energy independence
- Rebuilding Canadian self-reliance and reducing economic dependence on the U.S.
My job is to be your voice — and I’ll be relentless in making sure our local jobs, industries, and way of life are defended in Ottawa.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong. Name one thing the previous government got right.
There are many things the previous government got wrong, but the most glaring failure was to secure a strong, competitive environment for our manufacturing and auto sectors. Instead of focusing on making Canada a place where businesses want to invest and create jobs, they layered on red tape, raised taxes, and kept a punishing carbon tax — even while our biggest trading partner was cutting theirs. That’s made it harder for workers in Windsor and Essex County, as well as the rest of the country to compete; and we’re seeing the consequences now with layoffs and uncertainty.
If you look back to the Harper Conservative government from 2006 to 2015, Canada was doing great compared to all G7 countries, with excellent fiscal and immigration policies. Things were affordable, and Canadians were doing much better. Locally, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, who’s funding and vision approval was originally secured by Prime Minister Harper, was a very successful policy/project (as was the Conservative led 2008/2009 auto bailout loan to save our local auto industry). Conservative governments have a great track record for advancing our regional trade, our auto and manufacturing sector, and for our region’s future. We need to make sure these kinds of smart policies continue with another Conservative government!
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
Whenever we have guests from out of town, I love taking them down to the Windsor riverfront. That view of the Detroit skyline from our side is something special. Lately I have been bringing them to see the Gordie Howe Bridge as it nears completion — and these sights tell us a lot about Windsor: It is hardworking, proud, and right on the edge of opportunity.
We’ll usually walk along the sculpture park, maybe grab a bite to eat along Via Italia, or downtown restaurants and there’s some great food trucks in the area too. Sometimes we take in a concert or show at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor. If the visitors are pizza lovers or Shawarma fans, we have an amazing range of choices for that as well. If there’s time left, we will head to a winery or farm stand out in the County. It’s the best of both worlds here — vibrant city life and rich, rural roots.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I want voters to know that I’m not a career politician — I’m someone who’s spent nearly three decades serving the public as a police officer. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that regular families are facing, and I’ve always believed in rolling up my sleeves and doing the hard work to help people — not just talk about it.
I’ve lived in Windsor-Essex for three decades. I’m raising a family here with my wife, who’s a physician, so I understand the real issues — whether it’s the rising cost of living, waiting long hours at the hospital to be seen or have your child attended to, or making sure all our kids are safe and have opportunities to succeed. I also bring a strong foundation in both people and policy, with a degree in Criminology and Sociology, and a background in Civil Engineering.
At the heart of it, I want voters to know this: I’m a neighbour, a father, and someone who wants to see Windsor-Essex prosper. I’ve built my life on service, integrity, and action. I’m here to bring a grounded, practical, and honest voice to the table — one that listens, leads, and always puts our community first.
Joseph Markham – Communist Party of Canada
Tell us a little bit about your life?
I’ve lived and worked in Windsor my entire life in manufacturing and healthcare. I’ve been involved with unions and political organizing for years and am looking forward to continuing that work as MP.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
Our message for Canadian workers and industry is the same as it always has been. To invest in value-added manufacturing and secondary industry. Build affordable electric car, mass public transit, and inter-urban rail. Diversify the supply chain and implement worker protections, universal pay, and employment equity.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong. Name one thing the previous government got right.
The Liberals and Tories have brought steep interest rates, high food and housing prices, deep cuts to real wages and living standards, rising unemployment and privatization, while corporate profits are higher than ever. The Liberal government invested in new energy corridors and pipelines rather than investing in more renewable options. They negotiated to be in USMCA, a free-trade agreement that hurts domestic manufacturing and leaves workers out of a job and stranded. They implemented a back-to-work legislation against striking workers who were demanding better and safer working conditions. And while the Liberal government did ban weapon sales to Israel, companies like Maersk continue to ship arms to Israel through the U.S.
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
There are so many historical sites and attractions that it is hard to choose just one! From the underground railroad at John Freeman Walls and Fort Malden historic sites, to Walkerville’s prohibition history and Essex’s extensive wineries. Windsor-Essex has a deep and rooted history that we should lean into more and be proud of.
What do you want voters to know about you?
Communists, working together with the labour and social movements, now and after the election, can fight for a people’s agenda that puts people and the environment before corporate profits and war. I will continue to put this message forward and fight for working class people in Canada for a better future and alternative.
Brian Masse – New Democratic Party
Tell us a little bit about your life?
I’m a Windsor kid, born and raised. I grew up in South Windsor, and like many, my first jobs included everything from picking corn to assembling vehicles at Chrysler. Before entering politics, I worked as a personal support worker, supporting people with disabilities, and as a youth coordinator and mentor for new Canadians. That early work really shaped my commitment to advocating for our community.
I first entered politics as a Windsor city councillor, serving from 1998 to 2002. Since then, I’ve had the honour of being elected Member of Parliament for Windsor West eight times, representing this incredible community for the past 23 years. It’s meant a lot of time on the road between Windsor and Ottawa, but every trip has been worth it to bring our community’s voice to Parliament Hill. None of this would be possible without the support of my family — my wife Terry, who I’ve been lucky to have by my side for 28 years, and our two now-adult kids, Alex and Wade.
When I’m not at work, my life has always revolved around sports. I grew up playing hockey myself and (I) had the chance to coach both of my kids’ hockey teams while they were growing up, even if that meant I was racing home from Ottawa to make puck drop. For years, I have sponsored a Windsor West Little League team and look forward to putting on a baseball clinic each year for the local teams. I unwind now by catching a game, whether it be the Jays, Lions, Tigers, or the Spits.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
As someone who’s spent decades fighting for workers in Windsor and Essex County, I know how critical this moment is for our auto sector and local agricultural industry. We need a strategy that not only responds to this moment but strengthens our industries for the long term.
For auto workers, we’ll start by creating demand for Canadian-made vehicles right here at home. I will push for a “Build Canadian, Buy Canadian” policy that mandates federal agencies, including Canada Post and the RCMP, to purchase Canadian-made vehicles for their fleets. I will also push for the reinstatement of the incentives for electric vehicles and double them to $10,000 for our Windsor-made Chrysler Pacifica. In addition, we’ll exempt Canadian-made cars and trucks from the GST, encouraging Canadians to buy local, which in turn supports jobs in our manufacturing sector. This will help generate demand for vehicles made in Windsor, while also ensuring that Canadian-made parts and vehicles stay in high demand.
To protect the jobs that are on the line, we’ll also ensure that every dollar collected from counter-tariffs goes directly into the pockets of workers and the communities like ours, hardest hit by Trump’s actions, no delays and no loopholes. We’ll strengthen Employment Insurance so that families can weather the storm, extending coverage to 50 weeks and providing the security they need during tough times. And we won’t let companies that have taken public money gut Canadian plants. We’ll use every legal tool at our disposal to stop asset stripping and make sure our auto industry remains strong, even in the face of U.S. aggression.
When it comes to our greenhouse sector and farmers in Essex County, we’ll protect supply management in every trade negotiation, ensuring that we keep control over our own food system. We’ll work to diversify international markets for Canadian agricultural exports, so we’re not at the mercy of U.S. policies. To protect our produce growers, we’ll introduce a payment protection program and take immediate steps to restore protection for those selling to the U.S. We’ll also invest in the infrastructure needed to keep farming communities resilient in the face of climate change and market uncertainty, including expanding broadband and supporting the next generation of farmers through succession planning and new opportunities.
We won’t let Donald Trump or any future administration decide the fate of Canadian workers or farmers. Our plan is designed to protect the workers and industries that are the backbone of Windsor-Essex.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong.
Something that the previous government got wrong was not taking proactive steps to strengthen and protect our auto industry, such as reinstating the incentive program for purchases of electric vehicles (EVs) or instituting a National Auto Policy. We have heard the successive governments say they stand with autoworkers. No one can purport to stand with them and then not allow Canadians the choice to purchase a built-in-Canada vehicle without incentives. Sadly, it’s some provinces carrying this burden and helping promote the sale of EVs, notably Ontario is not one of them.
We need to protect every single Canadian automotive job that we can now and provide hope instead of the fear that they are currently experiencing. We must bring in a National Industrial Policy for the Automotive Industry that includes all policies (international trade, climate, land-use, investment, procurement, permitting, etc.) working together with the province and labour unions to ensure we are building a strong auto sector value chain. We need to drive this Canadian industry forward.
The iZEV program that helped keep these Stellantis workers on the assembly line should be reinstated immediately. The Chrysler Pacifica, assembled right here in Windsor, received a boost in production by including it in the electric vehicle (EV) incentive program. And they will need batteries that can be made right here also at the LG Stellantis plant.
Name one thing the previous government got right.
One thing the previous government got right, thanks to the work of the NDP, was delivering pharmacare and dental care for Canadians. The NDP pushed hard to force the Liberals to deliver the first steps towards universal pharmacare and dental care. While there are still challenges and delays, this was a significant win for Canadians, ensuring that no one will have to go without essential medications or a healthy smile due to cost. Notably, we are still waiting on the federal government to come to deals with many provinces, including Ontario, for it to be implemented fully. It’s a victory for people’s health, and it shows that when you elect New Democrats to Parliament, we create meaningful change.
And while I recognize you’re asking for one thing they did right, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the work of the NDP in forcing the Liberal government to bring in anti-scab legislation impacting workers under federal jurisdiction. Liberals and Conservatives had voted against every NDP anti-scab legislation before we forced them to pass it in the last Parliament.
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
If I had out-of-town guests coming in, I would take them for a tour around Sandwich Town, as it’s a great spot for restaurants and shops, close access to the water, and an interesting spot for history buffs. You can explore fantastic local restaurants and shops, where I have spent many afternoons with my family. You also have easy access to the Windsor waterfront, where I played a small role, going back to the vision of Bert Weeks and Roy Battagello and others. I am proud to have moved the motion to finalize this vision while on city council. It’s a beautiful location and a poignant reminder of the unique situation we find ourselves in, with the river literally dividing us from our neighbours across the border. From here, you can also see the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is finally becoming a reality after years of hard work, a symbol of our region’s resilience and vision.
Beyond its natural beauty, Sandwich Town is rich in history. This historic area, now part of Windsor, is one of the oldest settlements in Ontario, founded in 1797. The area was a significant stop on the Underground Railroad for those fleeing slavery in the United States, with Sandwich First Baptist Church standing as a national historic site and testament to this chapter. With its preserved buildings and historical landmarks, Sandwich Town offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty all in one spot.
What do you want voters to know about you?
When you vote for me, you’re voting for a fighter, someone who will stand up for this city, no matter the challenge. With my knowledge, experience, and expertise, I will continue to advocate tirelessly for the people of this great community. As political parties and politicians have come and gone, I have been a constant, including starting the fight for a new public border crossing in 1998 that has now led to the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
I’ve taken your voice beyond our city—not just to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, but also to Capitol Hill in Washington and various State Capitals - as vice-chair of the Canada–U.S. Interparliamentary Committee. In that role, I’ve built strong relationships with allies at both the state and federal levels in the U.S., as well as with MPs and Cabinet Ministers from all parties across Canada. I believe in working across party lines because, at the end of the day, nothing matters more to me than this city.
We find ourselves at a pivotal moment, and what Windsor needs now is someone they know, a relentless fighter for our city, not another silent backbencher. For the past 23 years, my mission has remained the same: To deliver results for my neighbours and constituents. That commitment will never change.
You can trust that I will keep fighting for you, just as I always have.
Richard Pollock - Liberal Party of Canada
Tell us a little bit about your life.
I’ve been a Crown prosecutor for 35 years, helping to get dangerous drugs off the streets and hold dealers and traffickers accountable. I’ve been a community leader and booster, involved in youth sports and drama and serving on the boards of Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and its foundation and St. Clair College.
I’m married and my wife Gina and I have a blended family of 5 children.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
Our Liberal government would create a $2-billion Strategic Response Fund to support workers during the disruption caused by the tariffs. Revenue from Canada’s reciprocal tariffs would also go to relief for workers. The Strategic Response Fund would also be used to fortify the Canadian automotive supply chain, from raw materials to car parts to finished vehicles to lessen vulnerability in the future.
The Liberals have a national auto strategy. They’ve already implemented it -- we’ve helped build the first EV battery plant in Canada in Windsor, with 2,500 jobs plus a growing supply chain.
Our Liberal government would also permanently double protection for farmers under the AgriStability Program, from $3 million to $6 million per farm, in case of significant revenue drops caused by tariffs, extreme weather and other shocks. We would increase support for farmers to access new markets for their products with an additional $30 million for the AgriMarketing Program. We would build more domestic food processing capacity with a new $200 million Domestic Food Processing Fund. And we would increase help for farmers to buy new, more efficient farm equipment by adding $30 million to the Agriculture Clean Technology Program.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong.
When the government introduced the consumer carbon tax, it didn’t communicate the new policy well. People didn’t understand that many households were getting a quarterly rebate for the tax. So, it became divisive. New Liberal leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney cancelled the tax because of the divisiveness.
Name one thing the previous government got right.
The previous government protected Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic better than most countries in the world. We had fewer cases; most comparable countries had two to three times more cases. Canada also had fewer deaths, the second lowest number of deaths of any country. We got the vaccines to more people, and vaccination, plus our public health response, saved the lives of untold Canadians.
If you have out-of-town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
I take visiting family and friends to Windsor’s marvelous first-class waterfront, where we walk from the historic Hiram Walker and Sons distillery to the iconic Ambassador Bridge and enjoy the Detroit River, a national heritage river, and the eclectic sculpture garden along the way.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I’m inspired by the moment for Canada. I’m inspired by how important it is. This is the battleground for the country. This community is emblematic for how these trade wars are going to affect the entire country, so we have to have a strong voice. Pierre Poilievre thinks Canada is broken. I don’t. I think Windsor is the greatest community in the greatest country. And I want to join Prime Minister Mark Carney and protect it and make it even better - for everyone.
Margaret Villamizar – Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada
Villamizar declined the elevator pitch opportunity.
Tell us a little bit about your life?
I grew up in the Ottawa Valley and attended Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo before moving to Windsor in the 1970s. I was a founding member of the Special Services unit of CUPE Local 1358 and held a number of executive positions with the local until 1992 when I worked as a psychometrist in county elementary schools for the then Essex County Roman Catholic Separate School Board. Later, as an employee in the Adult Education division of the Greater Essex Public Board, I worked as a language assessor for the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program and was involved in organizing contract employees like myself to form the LINC and Employment Services bargaining unit as part of OSSTF District 9. I served as the unit’s first president and in other positions until I retired in 2013.
I am currently a full-time caregiver dealing with the challenges of trying to access suitable long-term care for a family member when that becomes necessary - in a healthcare system that does not provide adequately for the needs and choices of seniors and their family members. I have two sons and three grandchildren.
How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?
I would support the workers and retirees as a first priority. This means rebuilding a domestic auto industry that serves the Canadian market primarily and exports to a variety of other countries as a form of trade for mutual benefit. If companies choose to leave Canada for the U.S. or elsewhere, their assets should be held and their operations reorganized to repay the millions, or even billions, they may have received in public dollars as direct grants, tax exemptions, or incentives of other types from governments. This would establish a new economic base for workers’ pensions as well.
The greenhouse sector should also produce first and foremost for the internal market rather than sending the lion’s share of its product south as is the case now. Production should be planned and geared first to providing healthy, fresh food at reasonable cost to Canadians everywhere, including the far north, year-round. Farmers are increasingly forced to grow for the agri-food giants and the export market, subject to the ups and downs that come with it, rather than supplying a variety of food crops for domestic consumption.
Ultimately, only by establishing new forms that empower the people, will the direction and organization of the economy be changed so that it favours the Canadian people as opposed to being a casino for the benefit of billionaires and multi-millionaires, many of them foreign.
Name one thing the previous government got wrong.
Wrong: Refusing to acknowledge Israel is carrying out a genocide in Gaza and to enact a full arms embargo against it.
Name one thing the previous government got right.
Right: Voted at the U.N. with the vast majority of other members for an end to the U.S. blockade of Cuba.
If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?
The murals and sculptures of workers in Ford City, those of Black Canadian history, Sandwich First Baptist Church along with other murals depicting early history of the area, mainly concentrated in Sandwich Town, and then Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I am a longtime resident of Windsor West where I have run in past elections as well for the Marxist-Leninist Party. I am active locally in the labour and anti-war movements, serving as chair of the Windsor Peace Coalition, which in particular concerns itself with the role Canada is playing internationally. My campaign centers on the need to empower the people so we can participate in decision-making and governance on all matters that affect our lives. It is a program for democratic renewal of the political process, for humanization of the natural and social environment, and for getting Canada out of the U.S. war machine, now also known as its genocide coalition, and making Canada a zone for peace.
