As part of our Ontario Votes election coverage, BradfordToday plans to profile each of the candidates in the York-Simcoe riding. Here's our look at Fatima Chaudhry, the Ontario Liberal Party hopeful:
The local Liberal candidate says she is ready to fight for families and residents, putting them ahead of corporate interests.
As premier, Ontario PC leader Doug Ford called an early provincial election on Jan. 28. Since then, candidates have been lining up to offer their visions for the riding of York-Simcoe before voters go to the polls on Feb. 27 — about 15 months ahead of schedule.
“I want to ensure that York-Simcoe residents have a representative who will stand up for their needs and push for policies that benefit everyone — not just the wealthy few,” Fatima Chaudhry said.
The Ontario Liberal Party candidate, Chaudhry, 39, is a community leader, political advocate, and mother of five who currently lives in Barrie, but also owns a farmhouse in York-Simcoe.
“My work in political advocacy and public service over the past two decades has given me a deep understanding of the issues facing York-Simcoe residents,” she said, noting she spent a “significant” amount of time engaging with the local community.
Now, she’s hoping to help the growing and diverse riding make the best of its potential, after she feels it has been “neglected” by the Progressive Conservative Party.
“I am running to ensure that every voice in York-Simcoe is heard and that families, farmers, and small businesses get the support they need,” Chaudhry said.
As a “dedicated member” of the Liberals since 2005, she feels they’re best suited to address public-sector cuts and privatization by implementing government investments. Specifically, she wants to increase hospital capacity, improve access to health care, build more schools, reduce class sizes, improve public transportation and create a more inclusive economy — all while managing growth and protecting farmland.
Chaudhry called the “crisis” in the health-care system the most pressing issue of the election, emphasizing long waits at hospitals, a shortage of family doctors and an increasing trend of private health services.
“People are struggling to get the care they need, and that’s unacceptable,” she said.
If elected, Chaudhry plans to push for more funding for public care, hire more nurses and doctors, build more hospitals and community clinics and stop the privatization of health services, to ensure residents can access quality public care without long wait times or extra fees.
“This election is about choosing a government that will invest in the people of York-Simcoe,” she said. “I am committed to bringing real change and ensuring that our community thrives for generations to come.”
For more information about the Liberal campaign, visit the party's website.