Andraena Tilgner, originally from British Columbia, has lived in Ontario since 1998. She developed a strong connection to nature through skiing and hiking in the coastal mountains of her home province.
Andraena graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences from Western University in 2002 and obtained an advanced diploma in respiratory therapy from Fanshawe College in 2005.
Andraena has worked as a registered respiratory therapist for 19 years, gaining firsthand experience with the deficiencies in Ontario’s healthcare system. Her career has equipped her with a deep understanding of the healthcare needs and challenges faced by her community.
Andraena is running as the Green Party candidate for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex with a focus on improving access to high-quality, publicly funded healthcare. She supports the Ontario Greens’ initiatives to bolster home care and address the social determinants of health, such as affordable housing and education.
Committed to the protection of her community’s unique qualities, Andraena also advocates for sustainable infrastructure that can adapt to climate changes, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of local homes and businesses.
In her personal time, Andraena enjoys attending soccer games, camping, and hiking with her family. These activities underscore her commitment to maintaining the vibrant green spaces that enrich her community and contribute to its overall well-being.
The Green Party of Canada is founded on six fundamental principles that guide their political stance and policy development. These principles include sustainability, non-violence, social justice, respect for diversity, ecological wisdom, and participatory democracy.
As a part of the global green movement, the Green Party aims to establish a society that is both ecologically sustainable and socially just, addressing issues through green politics and innovative environmental solutions.
The Green Party prioritizes the creation of a sustainable society, emphasizing the need for long-term environmental health and economic viability. This involves supporting sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy projects, and sustainable urban planning.
A commitment to non-violence underpins the party's approach to both domestic policies and international relations. This principle advocates for peaceful conflict resolution and a strong stance against military aggression.
The Green Party champions the rights and needs of all people, focusing on reducing inequalities in health, education, and economic opportunities. This includes advocating for more inclusive health care policies and equitable access to education.
Valuing and respecting everyone's uniqueness is central to the party's approach to governance. This encompasses support for multiculturalism, gender equality, and the protection of minority rights.
The party promotes living in harmony with nature, which involves advocating for policies that protect biodiversity, enhance conservation efforts, and maintain ecological balances. This is reflected in their stance on issues such as wildlife protection and land conservation.
Encouraging active participation in the democratic process is a key goal for the Green Party. This involves advocating for electoral reforms that increase voter engagement and representation, such as proportional representation.
The Green Party has laid out a comprehensive plan to tackle climate change, which includes setting ambitious targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions—60% from 2005 levels by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving net-negative emissions. Key strategies involve implementing a national carbon pricing model, investing in green infrastructure, and promoting energy conservation in homes and businesses.
The party supports a carbon fee and dividend system that imposes a price on carbon emissions across all sectors, with the revenues generated returned to Canadian citizens through fiscal recycling. This approach aims to reduce carbon footprints while minimizing the economic burden on households.
The Green Party is committed to ending all subsidies to the fossil fuel industry as part of a broader strategy to transition towards sustainable energy sources. This policy supports the broader goal of phasing out fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy technologies.
Aiming to streamline healthcare access, the Green Party proposes a National Pharmacare plan that would consolidate existing drug plans under a single framework, ensuring that all Canadians have access to necessary medications.
The party advocates for abolishing tuition fees for post-secondary education to alleviate the burden of student debt and make education more accessible. In housing, their strategy includes building and refurbishing affordable housing units, implementing a "Housing First" approach for the homeless, and offering tax incentives to support rental housing construction.
Significant policies include opposing fracking, ending the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, and investing in renewable energy sources. The Green Party also supports stringent measures to reduce plastic pollution and protect Canada’s freshwater resources.
The Green Party of Canada seeks to forge a path toward a sustainable and equitable future through a blend of environmental stewardship, social justice, and economic innovation. Their policies reflect a commitment to transforming Canada’s energy landscape, enhancing social welfare systems, and ensuring robust democratic participation, all while maintaining a deep respect for ecological and cultural diversity.