Healthcare, corruption and housing top the list for local Liberal

In their own words: Alison Bennie, Liberal

Kawartha Lakes Weekly/ The Lindsay Advocate has reached out to all candidates in the local riding in advance of the Feb. 27 provincial election. Over the course of the week, we will feature Progressive Conservative, NDP, Liberal and Green’s as well as all remaining parties. 

Tell me a little about yourself.

I am a long-time community organizer and equality advocate and am thrilled to be the Liberal candidate for the Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock region. I am also a small business owner, mother and animal lover with a special fondness for Jack Russell terriers.

Growing up overseas with my siblings and Scottish/Burmese father and Chinese mother, I travelled extensively before completing a Bachelor of Arts at Guelph University. In 2004, I relocated from Toronto to Cannington with my family. Best move ever! Here I discovered a vibrant, passionate, and accepting township. I immediately began volunteering and participated in community organizing, joining multiple committees and was the event coordinator for 10 years for the Cannington Dog Sled Races and Winter Festival which saw massive success, drawing in thousands of attendees. The Cannington Haunted Trail idea was hatched in my house with two other local residents. Although I could only volunteer for three years on that, it has grown under expert guidance and is a well-known event in the area. I also spent two years on the board of management of Cannington Town Hall, an initiative which saved the local town hall from being demolished and transformed it into the current-day public library. I currently serve on the board of the Brock Tourism Advisory Committee, North Durham Pride and Pflag (Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays) Durham Region and am a member of the Brock Board of Trade.

Why did you decide to run?

 I have lived in Brock Township for the last 21 years.  My parents lived in Wilberforce in the Haliburton Highlands area and I spent 40 years visiting there almost every weekend. My family also had property and a cabin outside of Cardiff which we have been at for more than 25 years. I know the northern area of this region quite well. I’ve been committed to community service throughout my adult life. I have seen and experienced firsthand the issues that affect rural communities: lack of proper medical care and mental health services, cuts to public transit, and lack of affordable housing. I understand that for people to thrive in this beautiful region, we need solutions. The province is going to be facing major challenges and I want to work to help meet them.

Is this election necessary? Do you accept the premise it was called under?

 Personally, I feel this is a waste of money in many respects. I know that Doug Ford wants a clear mandate in order to weather the next few years but he already had a majority and I think it was a ploy while his polling is running high to squeeze in those extra years for himself. Doug Ford is dismantling our province piece by piece and I think that has to stop.

What are three key issues that you believe should be discussed in this election and why?

Issue number one is healthcare. Our healthcare system is in crisis. Doug Ford has had six years to fix it. Instead, he has made it worse.

Issue number two is corruption. The Green Belt scandal is an outrage. The premier called the election before the RCMP could catch up with him. We need an honest Government of Ontario, not a government that just looks after the premier’s cronies.

Issue number three is housing. The premier promised to build more houses, but instead we’re building fewer than ever. We need a premier who is serious about helping young people. Housing needs to be affordable for everyone. We also need alternative and affordable housing for seniors and young people. Not everyone wants to own a house. Some people just want an apartment to live in.

What is one idea or program that your party proposes that you are particularly proud of and why?

Bonnie Crombie’s proposal to fix healthcare and get a family doctor for every family in Ontario is a fantastic plan urgently needed. It is top of my list of what needs to be done to make Ontario stronger.

Where have you campaigned so far?

I’ve started online. I hope to attend meet the candidate venues as I am able. And I’m meeting members of the community wherever I find them. Have been in Lindsay lately and of course, Cannington. I have also spoken with residents up Minden way and Boshkung Lake area.

What kind of reception have you got from people when you knock on their door?

I have been well received so far. Everyone is very concerned about healthcare, about the economy, and about housing and about the prospects for their children. Residents embrace the idea of change believing we can do better.

What appears to be the number one issue in the riding this election?

Healthcare and in particular access to a family doctor. That is why Bonnie Crombie is going to invest in making sure every citizen has access to a family doctor. We need to spend our money on this critical objective instead of wasting it on deals for beer and alcohol AND borrowing money to send cheques to citizens instead of looking after their real needs. Personally, I don’t want the cheque … I want a doctor for every resident!

Has weather had an impact on your campaign?

Yes, the heavy snowfall has made getting around the riding more challenging, but it hasn’t stopped me from getting out to meet people wherever they are. I am wearing my winter gear and am ready for any weather. Although I must say, as onerous as it is to get around, the snow sure looks pretty!

Polling firms are predicting a turn out of less than 40 per cent. Do you agree with that, having been out and about?

 Yes, I am somewhat concerned about that and also with such a quick turnaround for the election it is difficult. I am sure the weather might also pose a problem. I really encourage our residents to make sure they are registered and get out to vote. If you want change you need to vote for someone that can help you do that. I have a great team and we are dedicated to working together. But the problems of healthcare, the economy and housing are compelling, and I believe if people want change, then they will respond by voting as the election draws closer. Good luck to all the candidates. It takes a special kind of person to run in an election and I admire anyone that has stepped up.