The Citizen invited Ottawa candidates from the four main parties to write a short article explaining what they will do for their local riding if elected. Some chose to participate; others did not. Today, Ottawa Centre NDP candidate Joel Harden:
Dear Ottawa Citizen readers: We’ve spoken to thousands of you the last few months and we know you’re worried.
Worried about the potential of what a Pierre Poilievre government can bring. We hear you. The Conservatives have threatened massive cuts to public services, a rollback of protections for workers and marginalized communities, and a plan to put in place policies that will worsen inequality.
As Donald Trump attacks us, some say our federal election is just about Liberal versus Conservative. This thinking could lead us towards a two-party federal system, and we’ve seen what that has done to the political discourse in the United States.
Would that be good for Canada? I don’t think so.
Canada has a vibrant party tied to the lives of everyday people. A party not beholden to billionaires and powerful lobby groups. A party created by union workers, social movements, faith leaders, farmers and veterans. That party is the federal NDP.
We’ve always been a force for progress on Parliament Hill. We are the party of public health care, pensions and reconciliation. We’ve
won dental care
, pharmacare and CERB benefits. We fought for workers rights and universal child care.
Ottawa Centre New Democrats such as Ed Broadbent and Paul Dewar were the first to prioritize these policies. We’re the relentlessly hopeful force that makes change happen.
New Democrats are a constructive opposition. We are strong on issues, hold governments to account, and support policies that help people.
In Ontario, we won a
judicial inquiry
into the Ottawa LRT despite being in opposition during a majority government. We worked across provincial party lines and won unanimous support for Motion 129 —
Voula’s Law
— affirming the rights of residents in group homes, retirement homes and long-term care homes.
We made Premier Doug Ford back off the greenbelt near Toronto. We marched with education workers and health-care staff defying privatization, and members of the federal public service who went on strike to oppose federal cutbacks.
We challenged the convoy occupation in February 2022 at Billings Bridge. We rallied with parents, staff and youth on Broadview Avenue when three public schools were targeted by homophobic and transphobic hatred in June 2023.
If elected as your MP, I will continue this work.
We’ll push to expedite downtown revitalization, fight to reform the safe supply program and advocate for funding for the everyday operations of our public transit system, not just capital dollars for fancy new projects.
We’ll expand local solutions found at places like the
Parkdale Food Centre
and
Soul Space.
We will push for truly affordable housing options at places such as Tunney’s Pasture. We will ensure the dignity of our neighbours and make sure Ottawa Centre gets its fair share.
Ottawa Centre’s solutions will be brought to the House of Commons. We can help change our country, and the world.
Mark Carney is poised to remain our prime minister. Who will Ottawa Centre elect to push for the change we deserve?
We must demand more from politics; that’s why I am asking for your support.
Joel Harden is the NDP’s federal candidate in Ottawa Centre.