My Priorities in the New Parliament
First, I would like to thank my friends and neighbours across Thunder Bay—Rainy River for once again placing your trust in me to be your representative in Ottawa. Over the course of the campaign, I had the opportunity to speak with thousands of people across our riding and heard loud and clear both your concerns in the present and your hopes for the future. I will take those conversations with me into this Parliament. I’d like to sketch out what I see coming next for Thunder Bay—Rainy River.
I am hopeful that together we can continue to build on the progress we have made, even in the face of some serious challenges stemming from Donald Trump and the United States. Our relationship with the United States is, of course, the first order of business for our new Parliament.
Strengthening and diversifying our economic partnerships will be a top priority of this government. Not only do we need to re-negotiate our relationship with our neighbour and biggest trading partner, but we also need to protect Canadian workers and Canadian businesses. This is no small challenge, but our new government has already started to get to work: we’ve signed agreements with international partners like France and the United Kingdom, worked to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers here at home, and announced a plan to provide direct relief to workers impacted by foreign tariffs. I truly believe that Canada can emerge from this crisis stronger than ever, less reliant on the United States, stronger militarily, and a leader on the world stage.
Here in Northwestern Ontario, the path forward starts with continuing the economic momentum we’ve built. Shortly before the election, we secured funding for a lithium refinery in Thunder Bay—a transformative project for our region. It is expected to begin construction soon, creating hundreds of good jobs and linking northern resources to global markets. With this project, Northwestern Ontario stands to benefit directly from the green transition. Another major economic project I’ve been focused on has been the TTC’s Line 2 subway car replacement, which our government has helped to fund, and which our government has proposed should be built in Thunder Bay. With Premier Ford’s recent support of the contract being given to Thunder Bay, I’m optimistic that we’ll soon be able to announce a finalized agreement—one that would bring substantial economic benefits to our community.
While the economy remains a key focus, health care continues to be closest to my heart. With my background in medicine, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges facing our system. I hope to continue to work with the government and have an impact on our healthcare policy in addressing the many problems facing our health system, including ensuring that every Canadian has access to primary healthcare, and that wait times for surgery, diagnostic tests, and other treatments are reduced, and that access to healthcare in rural areas is improved. We also need to address the opioid crisis that is ravaging our communities—in short, we need to ensure that every Canadian has access to the world’s best quality of healthcare.
Locally, I will continue to advocate for a Fort William First Nation Chronic Care Home. This facility would provide essential care for Indigenous seniors, while at the same time helping to alleviate pressure on the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. I will also keep pushing for a toll-free and publicly funded bridge connecting Fort Frances and International Falls. Also related to the U.S. border, I will continue to advocate for increased border security and for addressing the issue of Americans fishing in Canadian boundary waters; this ought to be a part of a renegotiated CUSMA agreement.
Looking ahead, I see opportunities to invest in the long-term prosperity of Northwestern Ontario. There are a number of projects that are currently in their infancy that excite me, including a national urban park in Thunder Bay, which would provide green space, support tourism, and enhance environmental conservation within the city. We also need to address the need for long-overdue dredging at the Thunder Bay port, which is a critical hub for national and international trade. Our region must be part of Canada’s transportation and energy corridors proposed by our government. Whether it’s twinning the Trans-Canada Highway or enhancing rail connectivity, we have an opportunity to position Thunder Bay—Rainy River at the heart of a more connected and prosperous Canada.
Whether you voted for me or not, I am here to represent all the people of Thunder Bay—Rainy River. I hope to earn your trust and confidence as your Member of Parliament, and I will do my best to live up to this tremendous honour. I welcome your ideas, your feedback, and your hopes for the future. Together, we can meet the challenges ahead.