HALDIMAND—Progressive Conservative candidate Amy Martin is no stranger to local politics, having served as Mayor of Norfolk County since the 2022 municipal election and as a ward councillor before that.
Martin called herself a “lifelong resident of this community…. It is my home. Over the last six years, as mayor and as a councillor for Norfolk County, I have fought for our region to protect their best interests every single day.”
She expressed a strong belief that the upcoming provincial election on February 27 is “the most important election in recent memory.”
Tariffs and a new mandate
Premier Doug Ford stated that this early election is meant to achieve a strong mandate to stand against US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs and a potential trade war.
According to a poll conducted by The Trillium, 60.3% of respondents believe Ford called the election early out of political self-interest, and 27% believed the election was about effectively fighting tariffs. That same poll also showed that 49.6% believe Ford would be the strongest leader in a potential trade war.
Martin is giving her full support to Ford on this decision.
“With the continued threat of Donald Trump’s tariffs endangering our economy and our livelihoods, it is more crucial than ever to have a strong, stable government fighting to protect Ontario,” Martin said. “This is why I am standing alongside Premier Ford.”
Ford himself has shown support for Martin, who similarly to former Haldimand Mayor Ken Hewitt in the 2022 election was chosen by the province to run as the 2025 PC candidate without a vote from local PC members. While this decision was divisive both times, Martin remains enthusiastic about the opportunity to represent Haldimand-Norfolk on the provincial level.
“I understand the importance of effective representation for our citizens. As your local MPP, I will bring the same energy I’ve applied to municipal politics, ensuring our unique voice is heard at Queen’s Park, while helping Premier Ford protect Ontario from these disastrous tariffs,” she stated.
Martin believes that as a manufacturing and agricultural hub, Haldimand-Norfolk in particular faces a direct threat, “which is why we need effective representation at Queen’s Park. This is our top priority, and if elected, I will stand with the Premier to ensure our community’s jobs are protected.”
Affordability
According to Martin, a key goal will be continuing to support “pro-growth policies that keep more money in the pockets of our residents.”
As an example, Martin listed making a current 5.7 cent tax cut to the provincial gas tax permanent, so that “all Ontarians can continue to save at the pump.”
Further examples shared include “providing tax rebate cheques to return money to your pockets; and fighting against the federal Liberal carbon tax that raises the cost of everything.”
Health and long-term care
On the topic of health and long-term care, Martin said she supports the “historic investments” made by the government, “such as the recent announcement of $1.8 billion to connect every resident with a family doctor, the historic $6.4 billion to support long-term care capital development that has resulted in over 18,000 new beds in communities across our province, and enhancing pharmacists’ ability to treat patients, with over 2 million visits already to treat common ailments.”
Martin touted the 18,000 new long-term care beds the Ford government has invested in, but did not comment on the stalled 64-bed expansion of Dunnville’s Edgewater Gardens facility, which awaits further funding to cover inflation-related shortfalls since the expansion project was first announced.
Martin concluded in her response, “As Premier Ford has said, we need a strong mandate to protect Ontario residents from Donald Trump’s tariffs, and Haldimand-Norfolk needs to have a seat at the table. The threat is real, and Ontario must be ready to combat these tariffs.
“I am proud to stand with Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative Party. When voters go into the ballot box, they need to decide who is best positioned to defend Ontario: Doug Ford and Team Ontario or the opposition. I believe there is only one choice.”
Note: The Haldimand Press sends the same questions to all candidates. Questions not addressed in Martin’s reply included: listing the top issues facing Haldimand over the next four years; the debate between increased development versus keeping Haldimand’s small town status; thoughts on the potential Minister’s Zoning Order; how to support to help Haldimand’s aging population; and what she sees as a current failure of the provincial government and how she would address it.
