During election night, we were able to get in contact with Erica Englert, who ran for the NDP in this election.
She was unavailable for a phone interview, but was able to provide a statement when we asked her about this snap election and moments that stood out.
Here are her comments:
I think the campaign went quite well considering everything (snap election, winter, first campaign, limited resources, etc.) and I’m definitely grateful for the support from the community. My main objective was to show people in our community (and similar ones) that the way things are isn’t the way things will always be or need to be. I think I did that.
I have two main highlights: first of all, the debate in Simcoe went really well for me and I’m really impressed with how I was received. The NDP and young people both have a lot of assumptions made about them, and I think I did a good job of showing people how these assumptions aren’t always right.
A second highlight isn’t so much a particular day or event, but the amount of young people I met who felt inspired. It was a bit daunting putting my name forward, especially this young and in such a traditionally conservative riding, so I’m glad I got to show some young people who are (rightfully) frustrated with the way things are, that change is possible and it’s coming. No matter how this election goes, I’m glad I put my name forward and I hope this momentum shows the people in power just how strong, capable, and powerful young people can be.
I also think having such a good race here is super important to show the importance of rural communities politically, I could run a good campaign here with a team of just a few people so I’m confident that progressive voices will get more airtime here in the future with more resources.
Overall, yeah, I want an end to the Ford government and their intense cuts. But above all, this election has turned the tide no matter what and I’m happy with that.