CAMPAIGN NEWS

I began 2025 trapped in a situation six years in the making -- the most dangerous predicament of my life. Many people do not survive what I survived this year. I still don't know if it was stubbornness, strength, or the Will of God that kept me anchored to the core of who I am. But through every moment of suffering, one truth never left me: I love my daughters. I showed up for them even while I was being torn apart, even while I had almost nothing left to give. My breaking p

I did not anticipate that I would be the only public figure present at Pride Niagara's Teach and Tell event on Dec 4th-- but I was. Phil Gourlay, a long-time Niagara resident and member of the LGBTQ2+ community, was the guest speaker, Phil is an incredibly accomplished professional, having organized large-scale events that achieved record-breaking fundraising results for charities. He is also the founder of Pride Niagara. Pride Niagara is the only Pride organization in Ontar

On December 3rd, I found myself in a room full of professionals who genuinely care- people who have turned their desire to help others into a lifelong vocation. The energy was palpable. "Navigating the System: A Gender-Based Violence Perspective" was an emotionally heavy event, but absolutely essential. When I sat down, the first thing I overheard was the story of a Fort Erie educator sharing that, in 30 years of teaching, he has never witnessed so many children arriving at s

Some talk about housing as if it belongs to one level of government But residents don't live inside bureaucratic boundaries--they live in outcomes. Municipal zoning determines what can be built. Provincial legislation shapes how development happens. Federal lending rules define who can afford to participate. Individually, each can block progress. Together, they unlock it. This is why dismissing accessibility concerns with 'that's not municipal jurisdiction' misses the larger

Niagara's housing symposium hosted by Niagara's Association of Realtors last Friday left me with a lot to think about. Sarah Hart's kind, steady presence stood out. Her leadership and attendance at relevant City Council meetings do not escape me. I also felt proud of Mishka Balsom for representing the women of Niagara as the CEO of the GNCC and only female panelist on stage. Mark Carl, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Niagara, earned my respect instantly when he openly acknowledg

You are welcome to come shake hands with Jennifer (and meet Santa) as she marches in the parade this year. Wishing all residents of Niagara Falls a blessed Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year! See 'Events' page for photos and video

So much to consider after the City Council meeting on Oct 28th, which I observed online. One topic I'd like to highlight is the bylaw concerning the sale of plastic bottled water at community facilities. Council postponed a decision on whether to amend the bylaw to allow these sales, pending further study. One argument in favour of change was the people's right to freedom of choice. I would suggest that a public survey on this matter risks wasting both energy and resources--w

Niagara's Unique Revenue Opportunity-- and why I need to get in front of James Cameron Once listed on Forbes' 100 Most Influential People, filmmaker James Cameron credits a Niagara Falls high school teacher, Ian McKenzie, for believing in him before anyone else did. As a teenager at our own Stamford Collegiate, Cameron wrote his first script-- titled "Paradise"-- and gifted it to his classmate and friend Richard Dawson. When Dawson passed away in 2016, the whereabouts of th

In accordance with the Municipal Act, municipalities are not permitted to run a deficit. In 2023 the city of Niagara Falls reported a modest budget surplus-- yet Niagara Region forecasts significant underfunding ahead. Our city depends heavily on property taxes, government grants, casino revenue, and a handful of secondary streams-- all of which are volatile. Yet, property assessments still reflect 2016 values because the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation postponed i

"I don't think everyone should be allowed to vote," they confessed. I listened. Then I responded. The first choice the public makes is whether to vote at all. Those who do are demonstrating effort and intention. They're exercising a right that once cost Canadian lives- and that alone deserves respect. Yes, some may vote based on appearance alone. But presentation matters. It is an undeniable factor. How we show up-- to our neighbours, to our Region, to Ontario-- reflect

Premier Ford recently announced plans to remove speed cameras. But why? Several of his cabinet ministers (or their staff) were recently caught exceeding speed limits. Some reportedly meet the legal definition of stunt driving, as told in the Global News article dated Oct 7th. Such behaviour crosses a line. It's more than irresponsibility-- it's reckless. And it erodes public trust. At best, this move reflects a lack of full understanding of its implications and consequen

After attending Minister Nina Tangri's remarks on Oct 15th at the 'Boost Your Biz' event in Welland, hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, I followed up with her office regarding workplace safety and WSIB incentives for small businesses. Within hours I was connected to the Director of Stakeholders with the Ministry of Labour. I am impressed by their early responsiveness and grateful for the opportunity to engage on issues that matter to Niagara Falls employers an

When we seek to establish an enterprise, it is crucial that we ask ourselves not only CAN I do this-- but SHOULD I? What is it that I truly hope to achieve? John Holer, who built Marineland in 1961, reflects a time when empathy and foresight were not yet considered as pillars of enterprise. Now, the disaster that he created is left in the hands of the people, to solve. His surviving son Peter, as far as I can research, has a unique opportunity. While Marineland is in the gr

During the night on August 30, 2025, someone broke into a home in Welland Ontario and brutally raped a toddler. This is the letter I wrote to the Niagara Falls Review: When an adult intends to harm a child, something within them has died. They have chosen to shatter timelines, greet innocence with evil, and reject their own humanity. Little "E" can heal, but she will never be the same. Her mind will not remember, but her body won't forget. She won't understand her intense