NDP ready for provincial election in Oshawa: French nominated for fourth time
Published November 15, 2024 at 10:39 am
With rumours swirling that Ontario Premier Doug Ford is planning to call an early election next spring, the NDP in Oshawa are ready, choosing to send Jennifer French back to defend her post as the Oshawa Riding MPP.
French, a former teacher, was first elected in the riding ten years ago and currently serves as her party’s critic for Infrastructure, Transportation & Highways.
“It is an honour to represent the people of Oshawa at Queen’s Park,” said French at the nomination meeting Thursday. “Our community deserves a government that is focused on the issues that impact the people of Oshawa every day, like keeping good jobs in our community, improving local health care, ensuring dignified care for our seniors, and everyday affordability. Together, we can build a future with good jobs, reliable health care, affordable homes, and better schools.”
French successfully fought to convince Ford to scrap the tolls on Highways 412 and 418 to “ensure fairness” for Durham Region drivers and has been consistently demanding stronger protections for the Duffins Rouge wetland and Carruthers Creek Headwaters.
Of late, she has also called out for a VIN verification system in the province to address the rising auto theft numbers in Ontario.
French and NDP leader Marit Stiles were also among the loudest voices calling out the Greenbelt scandal and forcing the government to reverse the controversial land swap.
”Jennifer has been a champion for Oshawa both at Queen’s Park and in her community,” Stiles said. “From helping commuters save hundreds of dollars in Durham Region, to securing funding for important community health programs – Jennifer makes sure that what matters to the people of Oshawa always comes first. She has championed real solutions to make our roads safer and to prevent auto theft.”
“While the Conservative government is mired in schemes and scandals, Jennifer is focused on making life better for her community.”
The challenge to earn a fourth victory in the riding won’t be easy, as French has seen her plurality drop in each election since she toppled incumbent PC Jerry Oullette by nearly 7,800 votes in 2014. Her margin over Conservative candidate (and Oshawa councillor) Bob Chapman was reduced to 1,717 votes in 2018 and 2022 was even closer, with French squeezing by Alex Down (PC) by just 747 votes.
