Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
LAMBTON-KENT-MIDDLESEX - The political landscape in Ontario is shifting rapidly as voters prepare for a provincial election on February 27. Premier Doug Ford’s decision to call an early election, well over a year before the scheduled date, has sparked discussion across the province.
While Ford argues that a renewed mandate is essential to address the economic instability caused by new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration (even though we are now in a kind of trade “armistice” for 30 days), opposition parties question the timing and necessity of this measure. With key concerns such as health care, infrastructure and job security dominating the political discourse, Ontario voters face a crucial decision at the ballot box.
The election comes at a time of significant debate over governance and economic policies. Ford’s campaign underscores infrastructure investments and economic resilience, while opposition parties are focusing on healthcare system shortcomings and affordability challenges. However, in our predominantly rural riding of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, the election conversation is shaped by local concerns and the candidates who seek to represent its residents at Queen’s Park.
The Race in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
The riding of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex features candidates who have previously contested in the last by-election of 2024, along with new opponents eager to change the political landscape. Let us not forget that this newspaper develops content from Middlesex County; therefore, it is necessary to know who the candidates are in this riding.
Progressive Conservative incumbent Steve Pinsonneault is seeking re-election after winning the May 2024 by-election. A business owner and former Chatham-Kent councillor, Pinsonneault emphasizes his track record in improving infrastructure and creating jobs. “As your MPP, I am proud of the many achievements we have worked to champion in our community. This includes connecting over 100,000 homes to high-speed internet through SWIFT, supporting local agriculture, and investing $12 million in infrastructure to improve roads, bridges, and water systems,” he said. He also pointed to the PC government’s investment of $1.5 million in the Norbec manufacturing facility in Strathroy, which led to the creation of 70 new jobs.
If re-elected, Pinsonneault pledges to continue supporting economic growth, workforce training, and infrastructure development. He also highlights healthcare investments as a priority. “A vote to re-elect me, and re-elect the Ontario PCs, is a vote to have a local representative and a government that is always accessible,” he said.
Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, the Liberal candidate, is running again after finishing second in the previous by-election. As the mayor of Lucan-Biddulph and a former Middlesex County warden, she positions herself as a candidate who understands the unique needs of the riding. Reflecting on the lessons from the last election, she noted, “One of the big takeaways from the by-election was that traditional door-to-door canvassing was not as effective as it was years ago.” In response, she has adapted her campaign strategy to reach more voters through digital engagement and community meetings.
Her platform centres on healthcare access, housing development, and environmental protections. “We will address urban sprawl by introducing protections for our agricultural lands, focusing on intensification and creating a food and water belt,” she said. She also emphasized the need for better healthcare infrastructure, particularly in long-term care and access to family doctors. “LKM cannot be a forgotten riding. We are an economic driver in Southwestern Ontario. We have growing communities that need investment in healthcare, infrastructure, and education,” she added.
Kathryn Shailer, representing the Ontario NDP, is focusing her campaign on securing more funding for rural Ontario, improving healthcare, and making housing more affordable. “Unlike the by-election last spring, this snap election provides the opportunity for voters to actually change the government. We cannot afford another four years of the Doug Ford government,” she said. Shailer criticized the current government for delays in projects like the Wallaceburg hospital and the K-12 school in Forest.
Her party’s commitments include reversing municipal funding cuts, creating 60,000 new supportive housing units, and hiring 3,500 new doctors. “The ONDP will connect every Ontarian to an integrated primary care team, starting with the 2.5 million who do not have a family doctor,” she stated. She also proposed forming a Lambton-Kent-Middlesex economic task force to foster local employment and industry diversification. “This riding deserves a representative who will meet with residents regularly and keep them informed on progress,” she said.
Dean Eve, running for the None of The Above Party, brings a different perspective to the race, advocating for direct democracy and governmental reform. He supports referendum-based decision-making and recall legislation for politicians. “We have the technology to create an app run by the government that would allow us to push out a vote notification, allowing people to vote directly in the app with a simple ‘yes or no’ question,” he explained.
Eve, who self-funds his campaign, noted the challenges of reaching voters. “Unfortunately, it is more challenging to engage with voters when the mainstream media in general doesn’t allow you equal air time as it does the big three parties,” he said. He has relied on social media platforms like TikTok, where he posts political commentary under the name ‘Uncle Dean.’ If elected, he pledges to introduce bills promoting government transparency and accountability.
Other Candidates in the Race
In addition to the four candidates interviewed, two other contenders are also on the ballot. Andraena Tilgner, representing the Green Party of Ontario, is a registered respiratory therapist who has voiced concerns about declining healthcare access in rural areas. And Andy Fisher, running for New Blue Party, previously ran for mayor in Chatham-Kent’s 2022 municipal election.
Key Election Details
With just two weeks remaining until election day, voters in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex will have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates at an All-Candidates Meeting scheduled for February 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Alvinston Arena.
Election day is set for February 27 and voters can find polling station information through Elections Ontario at elections.on.ca.
As Lambton-Kent-Middlesex prepares to vote, the results of this election will shape the region’s future for years to come. Whether voters choose continuity or change, the next MPP will face significant challenges in addressing the riding’s pressing healthcare, economic, and infrastructure needs.
