HALDIMAND—A desire to see “palpable change” in how the government prioritizes people was the driving force that inspired Dunnville resident Erica Englert to seek the NDP candidacy in her home community.
Englert is currently attending the University of Ottawa where she is studying criminology.
“Navigating rural life (especially as a young person), I have noticed a lot of inequalities between our smaller communities and those in larger cities,” said Englert, citing “cuts to social services under the Ford government that I’ve seen devastate people firsthand,” as an example.
She added, “I understand the perspective of not being well-off; I was raised by my nana who lives on ODSP and I’m now a renter using OSAP to get through my studies. Politics seemed inaccessible to me for a long time, but I’ve since realized how important it is for everyday people with everyday struggles to have their voices heard in the legislature.”
Her involvement in her campus NDP club may have helped broaden Englert’s political knowledge, but it was her involvement in Dunnville Secondary School’s Allies Club and Pride Haldimand-Norfolk that first helped Englert understand the value of community connection.
“I think the New Democratic value of looking out for one another is so important in sustaining our communities,” she said. “The differences in access to healthcare, affordable housing, and education between large municipalities and small, rural towns are stark. I believe that it doesn’t have to be this way, and with more investment into our social services we can make life better for every Ontarian, even rural ones.”
Englert shared her thoughts on some of the top issues in Haldimand.
Affordability
Englert believes a lack of affordable housing is a key reason why life has become “too expensive to live” in Haldimand.
As MPP, she would advocate for more affordable homes, as well as relief on heating bills and help to make homes more energy efficient, listing rebates on renovations and heat pumps as examples.
Lastly, “cracking down on junk fees and predatory pricing, from hospital parking fees to ticket sales, is necessary to reduce the cost of living and make Haldimand-Norfolk accessible to all.”
Small town vs. development
Englert shared, “I believe that we should embrace our small town status and small town charm while working to attract investments that will ensure our region’s livelihood into the future.”
She acknowledged the importance of development, but said, “We want to make sure the residents of Haldimand-Norfolk support such development projects and are still able to call the region ‘home’.”
She believes a combination of affordable housing initiatives and investments in healthcare facilities and schools are all elements that contribute to a thriving community.
On Empire Communities’ proposed Nanticoke development, Englert doesn’t see the community buy-in needed to support such an ambitious project.
“People often feel as though the government is there to give orders rather than to support our communities. While development projects are vital to the maintenance and growth of our communities, it’s also important for the government to listen to the residents affected by such projects.”
Health and long-term care
“After seven years of Doug Ford, 2.5 million Ontarians are without a family doctor and in two years, that number is going to almost double. It’s harder than ever for people to get the care they need,” said Englert.
She targeted “decades of Liberal and Conservative cuts and inaction” for the current situation.
“The Ontario NDP will invest $4.05 billion over four years to hire more doctors. Ontarians deserve a government that will fix public healthcare,” she said.
Tariffs and a new mandate
Englert had no patience for Premier Ford, calling his “selfish motivations for this election” proof that he “cares more about himself than the best interest of Ontarians.” She championed provincial NDP leader Marit Stiles as someone who would “put the people of our province before anything else.”
She added, “We need a unified Canadian response to Trump’s tariffs and for our provinces to stand with the federal government.”
Englert also criticized the Ford government for a number of public scandals, including trying to open the Greenbelt up for development.
“At the end of the day, this government is trying to privatize and eliminate the services and programs most essential to Ontarians, and this is greatly disturbing people’s quality of life,” she said.
She concluded, “Advocacy is my passion and my speciality, and I hope that the people of Haldimand-Norfolk will choose an MPP that is prepared to stand up in their best interests.”
