Maryam Monsef officially announced launched her campaign for the federal Liberal nomination in the Peterborough-Kawartha riding today.
As a 10 a.m. press conference at Sam’s Deli in downtown Peterborough, Monsef made the announcement surrounded by supporters including Ann Farquharson (Peterborough lawyer and former city councillor for Town Ward), Erica Cherney (local businesswoman and former Citizen of the Year), Lynn Zimmer (Executive Director of the YWCA), and Jocasta Boone (local businesswoman and former city councillor candidate for Monaghan Ward).
Although Monsef did not announce her campaign team, she did mention that Boone would be working on her campaign.
Cammie Jaquays, the former Liberal nomination candidate who withdrew from the race to throw her support behind Monsef, was also present at the announcement. Monsef congratulated Jaquays on her campaign and thanked her for her support.
“I believe it’s time to do politics differently in Peterborough-Kawartha riding and provide a progressive alternative to the politics of division practiced by Steven Harper and the Conservative party,” Monsef says. “In our community we have clear evidence that the Conservative Party have pursued policies which have hurt, not helped, the people of our community.”
Monsef also outlined her priorities, including a national housing strategy for affordable accommodation, new investments in public transportation, and new investments in infrastructure. She also mentioned an economic development strategy that strengthens the small business community, build a knowledge-based economy, promotes the region’s cultural and tourism industries, and attracts investments leading to new jobs.
She also focused on environmental issues.
“We have an obligation to our children and our children’s children to protect our environment and allow the next generation to enjoy clean water, safe air to breath, and a natural environment that nurtures the soul and is not polluted by careless use,” she says. “When it comes to climate change, not only does Steven Harper and his Ministers refuse to act, many of them simply deny it exists.”
A relative newcomer to politics, the 30-year-old Monsef ran for the Mayor of Peterborough in 2014. Her mayoral campaign resonated with many citizens, and she was only narrowly defeated by incumbent Daryl Bennett.
The date of the Liberal nomination vote has yet to be announced.
