Pekka Reinio has been the face for the New Democrats in Barrie-Innisfil since 2018 when he finished second in the provincial election.
He's back again as the local candidate in the upcoming provincial election, set for June 2.
Reinio says he's running to make the community a better place.
“Many children, families and seniors are struggling and it’s only become worse over the past four years," he told BarrieToday. "I will provide real leadership, advocating on their behalf for homes, health care, schools, seniors’ care and our environment."
In 2018, Reinio finished second behind current Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin by 9,460 votes.
Reinio said he believes Barrie-Innisfil deserves an “MPP that will represent everyone in our community, advocating for their concerns and priorities at Queen’s Park.”
Reinio says there are several issues facing people in the riding.
“Having spent the past four years reaching out to Barrie-Innisfil residents, the issues of concern that I hear most often at the door are housing affordability, publicly funded long-term care for seniors, investing in public education, protecting Lake Simcoe, more jobs in the skilled trades, and securing a child-care plan,” he said.
Reinio also ran for the NDP in the 2019 federal election, placing third behind incumbent John Brassard (Conservative) and Lisa-Marie Wilson (Liberal).
While Reinio says he placed a “strong second” in 2018, he said he has worked hard the last four years to get people to support the NDP.
“I’ve spent endless hours connecting with residents, knocking on doors, phone calling and communicating through social media. I’ve hosted numerous town halls on critical issues such as Lake Simcoe, education, BLM, and skilled trades,” he said.
On March 22, Reinio said he will be hosting a housing affordability town-hall event with University-Rosedale MPP Jessica Bell and Barrie CARP president Gwen Kavanagh.
"Residents are looking for a representative that will speak on their behalf at Queen’s Park," he said. "My hope is that all community-minded voters who want to see real action in addressing their concerns and priorities will rally around my candidacy on June 2 and make for a historic win.”
