O’Connor will work toward sustainable economy

Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Sandra O’Connor had never been a member of a political party until she was approached by the Greens, and after doing some research, realized the party philosophy and policies were closely aligned with her own values.

“I feel our country is at a crossroads. We need to take big steps to change things, to save the country for our children and our grandchildren,” she says, referring to the need to address climate change. Other countries, as well as the United Nations, have declared it a crisis, and “there is no more time for little steps. The government has to do something major.”

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is an economic and security threat, and the Green Party has the best policies to address this situation, she says.

She also has great respect for Green Party leader Elizabeth May, and is impressed by the party’s willingness to let their representatives vote their conscience, rather than telling their MPs how to vote on most issues. 

But the Green Party isn’t just about climate change — it will also work toward a more sustainable economy, and as a representative, O’Connor says, “that’s what I’m here for — to improve the situation for the people in our riding.”

O’Connor was born and raised in Niagara and graduated from Brock University. Working in research and science for most of her career has given her the breadth and depth of knowledge, and analytical skills needed to do the job, and tackle the tough challenges facing this riding, she says.

She has been an active and engaged member in the Niagara community, including fighting for many worthy causes, such as membership with the NOTL Conservancy and the Preservation of Agricultural Lands, working at saving trees and the local hospital.

As a Green Party representative, her priorities include:

• Job creation to transition to green energy production, production of electric vehicles, retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency, modernizing crumbling infrastructure, and more.

• Safe and affordable housing of different types for all Canadians. A National Affordable Housing Plan would increase funding to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, making it responsible for affordable, non-market and cooperative housing, with a rent supplement and shelter program for low income households, a credit and loan program for non-profit housing and cooperatives, and GST rebates for all purpose-built rental housing. 

• Strengthening small-scale farming and providing local farms with a fair share of access to consumers, while stopping the loss of prime agricultural land to development, through negotiating agreements with the provinces and municipalities, to aid in food security and local production.

Contact O’Connor at [email protected] or call 289-868-9310.