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(This is just one of a series of profiles for Brantford–Brant candidates in the June 2, provincial election.
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Karleigh Csordas enjoyed her initial political campaign so much, she is making a second run for the June 2 provincial elections.
Csordas, who was also the Green Party candidate in Brantford–Brant, also ran as a candidate for the party in the riding at the federal election.
The 27-year-old stated that the campaign offered an opportunity to absorb lots of information about people and to research solutions.
Csordas stated that being able to run federally gave him the opportunity to say, “Yes, I can do it.” Because I am passionate about my community, I can be a politician.
Csordas was born and raised in Brantford. She graduated from Assumption College, in 2013. Csordas received an honours bachelor of science in kinesiology degree from the University of Waterloo. She then completed a postgraduate program in clinical Kinesiology. She is a recreational therapist in the Norview Lodge Long-term care home in Simcoe.
Csordas was fifth with 2.7% of the votes in the 2021 federal election. Conservative Larry Brock won the election with just over 40% of the votes.
Csordas stated the top issues that she has heard about from constituents are affordability and mental health.
She said that when we are facing an affordability crisis, it can affect our mental health. My mental health can be affected by having a mortgage that is not affordable for me, a person my age who has five years of college and student debt.
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I feel fortunate to have a roof over mine and a car that I can drive. Imagine the mental toll that it would take on my mental health if I didn’t have that.
Csordas stated that she believes that the Green platform to fund mental-health services under OHIP will help address complex issues such as opioid addiction and homelessness.
We must ensure that first-time home buyers can afford a house. Affordableness is a key factor in urban sprawl. Many of the new developments are not affordable. How can we address the housing crisis if we only produce homes that aren’t affordable?
Csordas stated that the party is focusing on electing more MPPs for Queens Park to support the environment, as the PC government isn’t focused on the climate crisis. She said that Premier Doug Ford is promoting the construction of a new highway, which will promote urban sprawl and increase pollution.
She stated that wetlands should be protected and not paved over. Smart planning is essential for transportation, which will be more affordable and allow funding to be used for other important issues.
Csordas criticizes Ford’s treatment of health-care workers during the pandemic. He cites an attempt to limit nurses’ wage increases to one percent, end a temporary hourly wage rise for personal support workers, and not fulfilling a promise to pay a $5,000 Bonus to health-care workers.
You can still get sick if you go to a long-term home.
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She said that while nurses are still in close contact to COVID patients, some are on leave and this is causing staffing shortages.
Why are they not treated as heroes?
Csordas stated that there is much at stake in this provincial election.
She said that meaningful consultation should be conducted on all issues.
These issues are complex. We shouldn’t have quick fixes without consulting.
Csordas stated that people who vote for her aren’t just voting for a tree-hugger.
She said that you are voting for Queens Park Green representation. You are voting, or listening to science and people to make the changes we want in the community.
Brantford-Brant
The riding includes Brantford, most of Brant county, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
According to 2016 census data, the riding is home to just over 130,000 people.
These are the candidates:
Harvey Bischof, NDP;
Leslie Bory, Canadians Choice Party;
Will Bouma, PC
Tad Brudzinkski, New Blue;
Karleigh Csordas and Green
Rob Ferguson, Libertarian
Ruby Toor, Liberal
John Turmel, Paupers;
Allan Wilson, Ontario Party.
