Cathy Burghardt-Jesson has a deep-rooted history of service, influenced by her family's emphasis on community contribution. She began her political career as the Deputy Mayor of Lucan Biddulph in 2010, demonstrating a strong commitment to her local community from the start.
Progressing in her political journey, Cathy has been the Mayor of Lucan Biddulph since 2014, dedicating over a decade to enhancing the lives of her constituents. Her leadership extended to the broader regional landscape as she served as Warden of Middlesex County from 2014 to 2023.
Cathy continues her impactful work in regional governance as the Deputy Warden of Middlesex County.
As a former small business owner, Cathy understands the intricacies of the rural economy and the challenges it faces under current provincial leadership. She criticizes the shortcomings of Doug Ford's policies towards rural communities.
Joining Bonnie Crombie’s team, Cathy expresses eagerness to start working on initiatives that support and uplift rural Ontario, aiming to be a proactive partner in fostering regional prosperity and well-being.
The Liberal Party of Canada is one of the country's major federal political parties, known for its centrist to center-left position on the political spectrum. Historically, the party has advocated for policies that emphasize individual freedom, economic liberalism, and social progressivism.
It supports a mixed economy, universal health care, and social programs that aim to reduce inequality and enhance the welfare of all Canadians.
The Liberals propose an ambitious housing strategy focused on making homeownership more accessible to the middle class. This includes a comprehensive plan to build 1.4 million new homes to address the housing shortage and curb housing speculation.
They aim to introduce financial incentives such as a tax-free savings account for Canadians under 40, which will assist them in accumulating a down payment for their first home. Moreover, the platform seeks to protect buyers' rights and ensure fair dealings in the real estate market.
Improvements to the healthcare system are a cornerstone of the Liberal platform, which includes hiring more healthcare professionals and addressing the backlog of surgeries exacerbated by the pandemic. Mental health services are set to expand significantly, and there is a strong focus on enhancing the quality of long-term care.
This involves better pay and conditions for care workers, reflecting a commitment to both the providers and recipients of care.
Economic resilience is targeted through various supports for small businesses and initiatives designed to adapt employment insurance to better serve gig workers and self-employed individuals. The platform emphasizes fostering Canadian innovation and ensuring financial sector fairness.
Efforts to enhance workforce diversity and provide equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups are also highlighted as key to economic recovery and growth.
The Liberals commit to environmental sustainability through the creation of green jobs and initiatives to cut pollution in heavy industries. The platform outlines ambitious goals, such as achieving net-zero emissions in the oil and gas sectors by 2050 and ending plastic waste by 2030.
Additionally, there are plans to expand national parks and enhance nature conservation efforts across the country.
Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is a significant focus, with initiatives to address the painful legacy of residential schools and to ensure clean drinking water for all Indigenous communities. The platform includes the launch of an Indigenous Housing Strategy, aiming to improve living conditions and support the autonomy of Indigenous communities in managing their housing needs.
The platform outlines a strong commitment to protecting rights and addressing social issues. This includes upholding sexual and reproductive health rights, combating systemic racism, and supporting the LGBTQ2 and disabled communities.
Enhanced support systems for seniors and comprehensive strategies to address drug-related harms, including the opioid crisis, reflect a broad approach to improving public health and social equity.
Founded in 1867, the same year Canada was confederated, the Liberal Party has played a significant role in Canadian politics. It has governed for many of the country's post-confederation years, producing several Prime Ministers, including notable figures such as Wilfrid Laurier, Lester B.
Pearson, Pierre Trudeau, and currently, Justin Trudeau. The Liberals are traditionally seen as a party that balances the fiscal conservatism of the Conservative Party of Canada with the social policies more typical of the progressive parties.
Their platform often includes commitments to environmental sustainability, a strong federal government with an emphasis on unity and national standards, and an active role in global affairs, advocating for free trade and multilateralism. The party aims to appeal to a broad base, including both business interests and labor unions.