Despite having a cabinet minister at Queen’s Park for a half dozen years, new NDP candidate Amanda Robertson says Bay of Quinte citizenry of all political stripes are feeling left out.

Knocking on doors during the opening weekend of the campaign for the seat vacated by former Progressive Conservative MPP Todd Smith, Ms. Robertson was emphatic about the need for change.

“A lot of what I heard echoed through all types of voters. People are hurting. People are being squeezed. People are being ignored. There’s a disconnect at Queen’s Park because their issues and their voices aren’t making it there,” Ms. Robertson told the Gazette.

The Vice Chair of the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board of Trustees is on leave to vie for the seat.

She said voters could trust her to advocate for affordable and attainable housing, stronger local schools and good jobs that pay more.

She’s excited at the prospects of joining an NDP team under the leadership of Marit Stiles. The Leader of the Opposition has been extraordinarily effective at holding Premier Ford’s feet to the fire on health, education, the greenbelt — and integrity.

“I’m looking forward to joining a team that’s driving change and building momentum for the next Ontario General Election. If Bay of Quinte voters lend me their vote in this by-election, they can count on me to fight for them.”

Ms. Stiles and her team are viewed by a good cross section of Ontario voters as a government-in-waiting. The NDP’s vision of a progressive Ontario, with informed policies and directions that originate at the grass roots, is proving remarkably cogent.

“Marit has a good read on the pulse of the province and she knows that we need to rely on voters to chart a direction. There’s been too much policy forced on people that’s been developed by insiders and big business donors. There’s too much governance by trial and error. 

“The Ford Government is ignoring what everyday Ontarians are saying. There’s a vacuum preventing voices from reaching the legislature. I’m aiming on changing that.”