Lisa-Marie Wilson says she wants to help more people.
Wilson, who will fly Liberal red in the race to represent people in Barrie-Innisfil in October's federal election, is a Simcoe County District School Board trustee, covering wards 7, 8, 9 and 10 in south-end Barrie. She tells BarrieToday that politics has been a growing passion since the city's last municipal election.
“I am a very community-minded person and that last Barrie municipal election gave me the desire to help more people,” she said. “I’m passionate about the kids in my wards and to be able to go further than that, and try to help the people of Barrie-Innisfil, is something I couldn’t pass up on.”
Wilson, who was announced as the riding's Liberal candidate on Sept. 3, moved to the city in 1993. Married with two sons, she says the Liberal Party aligns with her beliefs on diversity and inclusivity, as well as concern for the environment.
She says she's ready to go up against the other candidates, including incumbent Conservative MP John Brassard.
“As a public servant, I know what it is like to battle, particularly battle for what we need from the government, so I am ready, for sure,” Wilson said. “Also, I don’t think of it as much of a battle as some might think. People are wanting change, they want a better environmental plan (and) they want affordable housing. People just want better.”
Wilson will remain on as school trustee for now, but said she will step down should she win the election in October.
“I spoke with my director and the board has also been made aware, and there are no conflicts of interest,” she said. “The job is something I am able to do while campaigning and I honestly feel it brings out how much I love the area in which I will serve, getting out to the people who know me and trust me now.”
The 2019 federal election is set for Oct. 21.
