Labour Activist Michele McCleave-Kennedy Named NDP Candidate for Sault Ste. Marie
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – At a lively nomination meeting at the Bushplane Museum, Ontario New Democrats in Sault Ste. Marie named longtime labour champion, worker’s rights’ activist and lifelong Saultite, Michele McCleave-Kennedy, to represent the riding in the upcoming June 2018 provincial election“I’m so proud to be a part of Andrea Horwath’s team,” said McCleave-Kennedy. “The NDP platform – Change for the Better – means that our Sault Ste. Marie citizens will no longer be ignored the way they’ve been. Commitments like addressing healthcare and hospital wait times, making sure everyone – regardless of age or income – has access to dental care and prescription drugs, and bringing down skyrocketing hydro rates, will all bring meaningful change to our community.”
McCleave-Kennedy comes from a long line of social justice champions with deep roots in Sault Ste. Marie. For many years she has represented workers on health and safety issues and workers rights within the labour movement. As President of the local labour council and also a Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, she understands first hand that the nature of work in Ontario is changing and that workers need protection, now more than ever. McCleave-Kennedy also understands first hand that Sault Ste. Marie residents need a leader who understands their unique needs.
“Sault Ste. Marie has been left behind for far too long,” McCleave-Kennedy said. “Our health care system is bursting at the seams, hospital wait times at the Sault hospital are getting longer and longer, hydro bills are skyrocketing, and those in need don’t have access to the care they need. All a result of 15 years of Liberal neglect.”
McCleave-Kennedy highlighted that the conservatives have already promised to cut over $6 billion in needed public services.
“Andrea Horwath and Ontario New Democrats have a plan to undo the 15 years of damage under the Liberal government,” McCleave-Kennedy said. “Sault Ste. Marie citizens don’t have to accept cuts. We don’t have to keep watching our healthcare system be squeezed, and have our hydro bills continue to skyrocket. This election can be about change for the better.”
“It’s time for a change in Ontario. We no longer have to keep choosing between bad and worse.”
