MEET JAMES PARR, GUELPH'S NDP CANDIDATE

CANDIDATE NAME: James Parr RIDING: Guelph

PARTY: Ontario New Democratic Party

AGE: 29

OCCUPATION: Senior operations analyst

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Guelph

PAST POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: I’m new to the political arena. After this pandemic, it’s clear we need bold ideas and big changes to help families here thrive. That’s why I’m running to represent my community at Queen’s Park. I’ll work hard to make Guelph an even better place to live.

HOW WOULD YOU GRADE THE PROVINCE'S COVID-19 RESPONSE AND WHY? F

The (Doug) Ford government should have done better. Thousands died alone and in pain in long-term care. Kids were sent to schools without proper ventilation or PPE. Big-box stores were allowed to trample on small businesses. Ford refused to provide sick days and froze pay for nurses. Folks had to scramble to find vaccines, and it’s still hard to get rapid tests. Every step of the way, Ford was reluctant to provide the help Ontarians needed.

IF ELECTED, I PLEDGE ... to pay attention to what Guelph needs. My platform, based on my lived experience, focuses on improving health care and mental health access, homes people can afford to rent and buy, and climate change action. I want to represent everyone in Guelph and hope to bring our voices to Queen's Park