Casey Lalonde, the Green Party candidate for Nickel Belt, currently works full-time in the not-for-profit sector while completing an MA in counselling psychology through Yorkville University. She recently agreed to answer 10 questions from The Star.

Describe yourself in seven words.

I would describe myself as empathetic, dedicated, caring, inquisitive, reasonable, compassionate and motivated.

Why did you decide to run?

I decided to run because I believe that our political system is in dire need of change; I want to be a part of that change. There is a general sense of mistrust and disillusionment amongst voters right now. It is very disheartening to me that many people feel voting is a waste of their time, when the right to vote was hard won and still not realized by many. My goal is to inspire people to vote Green by offering them a new voice and fresh perspective that is lacking in today’s political landscape. Additionally, I am optimistic and believe that we can have a prosperous society, strong economy, and social equality without having to cause damage to our environment in the process.

What are your top three national priorities?

Nationally, my top three priorities are democracy, the environment and social justice. Greens will tackle electoral reform, transition Canada to a green economy and work towards ending poverty in Canada.

What are your top three local priorities?

Locally, my top priorities are to restore my constituents’ faith in democracy, economic prosperity and transportation. I want my constituents to have an MP they can believe in. I also want to ensure that people in my riding have meaningful employment that pays, at minimum, a living wage. In addition, I would like to push for sustainable transportation in the north by encouraging reliable passenger rail service.

What is the top issue in this election?

In this election, the top issue is the environment. Climate change has become a divisive issue in Canada; many people continue to deny climate change is real. Despite this, there is clear and mounting evidence that we must act now to slow global warming, and there is no doubt that pollution is a global problem. Millions of people around the world have taken to the streets to demand action during the global climate strikes.

What is the top issue in your riding?

I’ve spoken with many people going door-to-door, and the top issues according to constituents vary. Overall, many of the voters I spoke with are discouraged by the government and truly believe there is no point in voting. Another major issue amongst my constituents is employment; my constituents want good jobs that pay a living wage.

What makes for a good MP?

A good MP is honest and has integrity, makes time to listen to their constituents and makes sure their voices are heard at parliament. A good MP gets elected primarily because they want to make the world a better place and isn’t in it for personal gain.

What in your background qualifies you to be an MP?

I have a strong background in research and advocacy, and have been actively involved in politics for a number of years. If I do not know the answer to something, I will research the problem until I do. As the MP for Nickel Belt, I will seek input from my constituents and ensure their voices are heart at parliament.

Why should voters vote for you?

For too long, Canada has followed a predictable electoral cycle – we vote for one party because we are tired of the other, but when that party disappoints us we go back to the first. This cycle clearly isn’t working and needs to be broken. Voters should vote for me because I can guarantee them that I am in this for the greater good. I am hard-working and dedicated; I will make sure the residents of Nickel Belt have a voice in parliament. Canadians have not yet elected a Green government. I think it’s time we do.

What are you reading and/or binging right now?

I’m presently reading The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg. I’m currently watching Season 4 of The Good Place. Other favourite Netflix shows include The Patriot Act. I will always re-watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine when nothing else is on.

sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca