Catherine Fife, New Democratic Party

Why are you running for the NDPs?

I am a New Democrat. I believe we can be progressive, compassionate and pragmatic. I have seen the work that Andrea Horwath and her team have done and the way they have been able to deliver for Ontarians in this minority. Politics can be done differently.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

I have been working for Kitchener-Waterloo for nine years as a Trustee and Chair of the School Board. I’ve learned first-hand what this community expects from elected representatives. In my work with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association and Canadian School Boards Association, I’ve sat at the table with municipal, provincial and federal leaders and delivered results.

What do you consider to be the greatest issues affecting our riding?

Voters are looking for something to believe in. For nine years they’ve been let down by Dalton McGuinty. Students across Ontario were let down by the Liberals’ empty promise to take 30 per cent off tuition. It’s no coincidence that the “Education Premier” scheduled this election when he thought most university students would just be arriving in Waterloo.

Voters in Kitchener-Waterloo are going to decide what kind of government we have in Ontario.

Why should students vote for you?

When you finish your program, we need jobs to be ready for you. New Democrats have advocated for a Job Creator Tax Credit. It’s a simple plan: create a job, get a tax credit. With New Democrat leadership we can keep this on the table. In an unaccountable Dalton McGuinty majority, I don’t think it’s going to happen.