Andrea Khanjin is hitting the campaign trail in Barrie-Innisfil as she seeks re-election for a second term as MPP.
The Progressive Conservative incumbent initially won the seat in 2018 by more than 9,000 votes, with the NDP candidate finishing second.
Being the MPP during a worldwide pandemic has been tough, said Khanjin, adding the global health scare was her biggest challenge over the last two years, including the tragedy that unfolded at Roberta Place in south-end Barrie where dozens of seniors died from the virus.
“Once all the resources were in the home, there was very little I could do aside from bringing the staff coffee every day. It was hard because we lost so many people in that home, many of whom I knew from my frequent visits to the home before the pandemic,” Khanjin told BarrieToday.
Having spent time connecting with constituents in the riding, Khanjin said affordability remains the top issue leading up to this summer's provincial election.
“Inflation is hitting hard, which is being fed by the price of gas that will only get more expensive if the carbon-tax increase is added by the federal government,” she said. “That is why, since being elected, we have lowered taxes and decreased government fees so that more money remains where it belongs — in the pockets of Ontario families."
Khanjin knows the world has become more toxic, especially in politics, but said she will stay positive and optimistic both in her job and for her young son.
“I fundamentally believe you put out what you want to get in return and I will continue to stay positive in a world that truly needs more of it,” she said. “I think of the next generation that we are all setting an example for, including my son Oliver, and I want them to see an environment that invites more young people to run for office, one that attracts the talent we need for the future.”
The health of Lake Simcoe will also be discussed on the campaign trail, as it has been in other elections in recent years.
Khanjin says she's “very supportive” of projects that will improve the quality of the lake.
“As part of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, the province and its partners share the responsibility of implementing the Phosphorus Reduction Strategy, which contains a long-term goal of reducing phosphorus to 44 tonnes,” she said. “In the last election, the federal government announced that they would give $40 million to help Lake Simcoe, and this project would be perfect for that funding.
"While we haven’t seen this promised funding, for our part, the province has continued to take action and put up $4.4 million since 2018-19, with more to follow, to protect the lake.”
The provincial election will take place on or before June 2.
