Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte NDP candidate Dan Janssen says his party is working for all residents, as well as the environment.
He launched his campaign for the Oct. 21 federal election during an event in downtown Barrie on Sunday afternoon.
The former Anten Mills resident, who now resides in east-end Barrie, is a self-described community organizer and labour advocate.
Janssen told supporters he believes in a Canada that works for everyone.
“We’re asking businesses to pay their fair share,” he said. “It’s not too much to ask so that the rest of us can have the services that we should have in our public so we can all have the opportunity to succeed.”
Janssen said the party is looking at closing tax loopholes.
“Really, only the wealthy have access to those tax loopholes, not the rest of us,” he said. “Putting forward a plan like that can actually help the rest of us make our lives a little more affordable.”
Janssen said the party’s platform for more affordable housing and a pharma-care plan, including dental and eye care, will appeal to Canadians.
“It will not only save them money, but also small businesses, too,” he said of the drug plan.
“People will no longer have to pull out their credit card to pay for medications they may need, especially if they don’t have it through their benefits plan at work.”
Improvements to mental health care and addiction services are also priorities, he added.
“It (can be) very difficult (for families) and I think our country has a responsibility to look after all of its citizens,” Janssen said.
The NDP would also hold the next two election cycles as proportional representation, “so Canadians have the opportunity to see how the program works,” he said.
“After those two elections, the NDP would hold a referendum so (voters) could make an informed decision about our voting process.”
