Two rookie members of parliament and one veteran are now the Windsor region’s eyes and ears in Ottawa, a situation which some people find troubling as they wonder whether or not this area’s voices will
be heard by the new Liberal government.

FEATURE STORY By Dave Hall

But, Brian Masse (Windsor West), Cheryl Hardcastle (Windsor-Tecumseh) and Tracey Ramsey (Essex), the three New Democrats elected in an unprecedented sweep of area ridings this past October, all say they will hold Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s party to its promise that it will be a government representing all the people of Canada, not just those who elected Liberal candidates.

“If you believe in the theory that our voices will not be heard then you might just as well have one party in this country,” says Masse.

“And that simply isn’t the case. Opposition MPs all have a role to play in government and ours will be to work with the Liberals to make sure that the Windsor area’s issues remain front and centre.”

Hardcastle says that all MPs will have a voice in the future given the Liberals’ stated commitment about collaboration and co-operation.

“When you’re able to form a consensus, you don’t always get everything you want, but as long as all voices are heard, you can be satisfied with the process,” says Hardcastle.

“The role of myself, Brian and Tracey will be to make sure our voices and the concerns of our constituents, regardless of who they voted for, will be heard.”

Among the many issues facing the Windsor region include jobs and the economy, a national automotive strategy, single-sports betting at Caesars Windsor, redevelopment of the Paul Martin building in downtown Windsor, re-opening of Veterans Affairs offices in Windsor and elsewhere across Canada and ongoing infrastructure spending.

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