SOUTH DUNDAS, Ontario – South Dundas Deputy Mayor Kirsten Gardner has announced that she will be seeking the Ontario Liberal Party’s nomination for MPP for the riding of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.
“There are many neglected issues from healthcare, to housing, to education, to infrastructure and the economy that need to be addressed. It’s time for community leaders to come together for the greater good of our riding. We need to work together for the good of all; that’s why I’m seeking the Liberal nomination. It’s time,” said Gardner in a media statement announcing her candidacy on Tuesday, March 15.
Gardner was elected as Deputy Mayor of South Dundas in 2018. She has also represented South Dundas on United Counties of SD&G Council. Most recently she was involved in the United Counties efforts at rural education reform and co-hosted a rural education symposium organized by the United Counties on Feb. 4.
“We’ve worked together to save rural schools, protect historical landmarks like the train at Upper Canada Village, and support mental health tools for the Ontario Provincial Police just to name a few examples, but there is so much more that we must address,” Gardner said.
Former Liberal Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Jim Brownell has endorsed Gardner’s candidacy.
“It is my honour and privilege to endorse and support Kirsten’s nomination as the Liberal candidate in the upcoming provincial election. Since having Kirsten as a student in my classes at the Longue Sault Public School, I have followed her academic and career successes. There is no doubt that she has the skills and determination to strongly represent the riding at Queen’s Park. As a respected municipal politician, Kirsten has demonstrated a keen understanding of her constituents, her ability to make solid decisions, and an unwavering leadership when tackling major issues. I truly believe that Kirsten will demonstrate these same qualities and skills as our next Member of Provincial Parliament,” a statement from Brownell reads.
Brownell served as Liberal MPP of Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh from 2003-2007 and then as Liberal MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry from 2007-2011.