Business owner and city councillor Jo-Dee Burbach said the Perth-Wellington riding is in need of a strong voice to combat rising issues.
"Many of us are frustrated with the current government. I think the hard working families of Perth-Wellington deserve better. I believe I have a plan that provides hope and puts people first,” she said.
Nominated in November to run as NDP candidate, Burbach has received endorsement from party leader Andrea Horwath.
Burbach has served as municipal councillor in Stratford, but has taken a leave of absence. Her ties to the community and a frustration with Premier Doug Ford’s government have inspired her provincial aspirations.
“People in the community know me well and know I’d be a strong voice for this area in Queens Park. I’ve received a lot of enthusiasm,” she told StratfordToday.
Burbach is the owner of a local business, Enhance Graphics. She was editor and co-founder of Start Stratford, an arts and culture magazine.
She won her seat at city council in 2018. She is prepared to resign if elected.
“I really enjoy my municipal work and I enjoy being a city councillor. It gives me great perspective on the challenges that the people of Perth-Wellington are facing,” said Burbach.
Running at the provincial level would allow her to make a bigger difference in her community, she said.
An advocate and spokesperson for fixing home-care, climate change and unaffordable housing, Burbach said it has impacted family, friends and community members.
“I have a friend who is losing her rental home at the end of May. She hasn’t been able to find a new place to live yet because she can’t afford it. These issues are very real and they are scary,” she said.
Burbach said the housing crisis will take all levels of government working together. The NDP proposed key elements to address unaffordable housing including increasing the supply of housing while maintaining farmland and natural heritage.
Proposing the development of the 'missing middle' such as townhomes and duplexes, the NDP is prioritizing getting Ontarians into the market.
“One great initiative is giving direct financial support to first-time home buyers,” she said.
Education is another top issue. As a mother, Burbach said the government should be prioritizing education by putting children first. With mental health needs heightened by the pandemic, she said Ford’s cuts to the education system must be reversed.
Watching her parents age, she is also moved to fight for changes in long term care and at home care.
“It is very difficult for people to get into long term care and waitlists are very long. Although my parents are able to manage at home right now, they need to be on lists in order to ensure they get a space in the future,” she said.
Burbach said she can offer a strong alternative to the Progressive Conserviatives.
