Candidate profiles: Windsor West
As Election Day in Canada approaches, there are a few tight races to watch in Windsor-Essex.
One of those is in Windsor West, a riding that has been held by the New Democrats since 2002.
But several candidates hope to change that in 2021.
“We might not be all in the same boat, but we’re in the same storm,” says Conservative candidate, Anthony Orlando.
The long-time Windsor resident wants to go to work for common issues in the area like jobs and healthcare and focus on the innovation and education pipeline.
He’s also confident Erin O’Toole will be the nation’s next prime minister.
“I concluded what was standing in the way was the fact that we didn’t have representation at the governing table. We needed someone who was going to be in government,” Orlando says.
Also fighting for that seat is Liberal Candidate, Sandra Pupatello — who calls this a critical time for Windsor.
“I hope people will see how my experience of having been in government is actually going to count, right now,” Pupatello says.
The long-time member of provincial parliament is pushing for west-end rejuvenation, ensuring climate change is top of mind — and desperately wants to land new product at Windsor Assembly — in the form of a new electric vehicle battery plant.
“We have the workforce, we have the skill and training in our own institutions, here with research that goes on right here in Windsor on battery, for example,” she says. “We need to pool all of that knowledge together and land investment right here.”
Pupatello and incumbent Brian Masse had a close race in the 2019 federal election with the two candidates separated by less than 2,000 votes.
It was the first real challenge Masse has faced in the riding in nearly two decades of federal politics — and this time around, he’s up for the contest.
“I think I’ve shown consistently I’m a fighter for Windsor West,” Masse says.
He’s pushed files like single sports betting and the creation of a national urban park at Ojibway into government legislation. He says a vote for him will translate into more advocacy — regardless of which party wins the election.
“What they want to see is a worker like myself, who can fight the underdog, and fight and win,” says Masse. “Someone who is willing to work with whoever is there in Ottawa in a positive way, but also fight in a hard way when necessary to get results.”
Also running is People’s Party of Canada candidate, Matthew Giancola and Margaret Villamizar of the Marxist-Leninist Party.
The federal election will take place Sept. 20, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.