Tracey Ramsey, the federal candidate for the New Democrat Party in Essex, kicked off her campaign in Amherstburg Monday morning.
Ramsey said her focus will be ensuring workers and families recover from the pandemic. She says the NDP will focus on jobs, investment in health care, and real progress against the climate crisis.
"We're in the recovery and it is going to be critical for everyone. We need someone in Essex who will stand up for us in Ottawa and get our voice back. I know that I am that person," said Ramsey. "I'm asking for your vote because I believe that Essex deserves better."
Ramsey was elected as the Member of Parliament for Essex in the 2015 election, beating out incumbent MP Conservative Jeff Watson. She served for three years and lost her seat to Chris Lewis in the 2018 election.
"I think we've had a Conservative here who has been silent and absent on issues that matter to people and people know my record. They can look at the lack of record that he represents and they can see the work that I did in four years and the work that I've been doing since," said Ramsey.
Chris Lewis is running for re-election in the upcoming election. The Liberal Party has yet to declare a candidate for the riding of Essex.
On Monday, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh called for mandatory vaccinations for federally regulated industries to be in place by Labour Day. He is also calling on the Liberals to make more firm commitments to vaccine passports.
“Canadian families should be able to access vaccine passports as easily as possible. And they should be able to use them here at home – not just when travelling internationally,” said Singh. “Real leadership – and not just talk – would mean getting more provinces to sign on to a vaccine passport, and ensure the passport is in place by Labour Day.”
On the other hand, Conservative leader Erin O'Toole is offering alternatives to mandatory vaccines.
“Canadians want a reasonable and balanced approach that protects their right to make personal health decisions and the need to keep everyone safe," said O'Toole.
He said Conservatives would require unvaccinated Canadian passengers to have a recent negative test result before travel. Conservatives would also require unvaccinated federal public servants to pass a daily rapid test.
Canadians will head to the polls on September 20, 2021.
