Sault’s NDP candidate opens her office, launches campaign

Michele McCleave-Kennedy is hopeful that a second try is the charm.

The local educator welcomed supporters inside her re-opened office space to officially kick off another campaign for a seat in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario under Andrea Horwath and the New Democratic Party.

“It’s nice to have the office open this early before the election,” she says. “The public can come in and ask questions, volunteer, or pick up signs. It’s nice to have a location so people know we’re out there and know that we’re running.”

In 2018, Progressive Conservative candidate Ross Romano defeated McCleave-Kennedy by 414 votes and has represented the Sault in the legislature ever since.

This time around, McCleave-Kennedy is looking to flip the script.

“We’re going to give Ross a run for his money,” she says. “We’ve got a really close chance this time, and we’ve got the momentum. I think there’s going to be a push across the north, and with everyone’s help, we’re going to do this.”

McCleave-Kennedy’s team of supporters are ready to provide that help, some of whom attended her launch earlier today at 143 Great Northern Road. She’s beyond grateful for their efforts and extended her appreciation to them directly.

“I’d like to thank all of you for the work and donations,” she says. “We’re so far ahead compared to last time. Thank you for all the effort you’ve put in. The backing I’ve had from all of you has been amazing.”

New Democrats in the Sault nominated McCleave-Kennedy back in February 2021 to run in Ontario’s upcoming election on June 2.

Her main priorities include getting money back into education, healthcare, and mental health and addictions. She is also focusing her efforts on rebuilding the economy, putting money back into public service, and re-building the middle class.

At a federal level, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh came to an historic confidence-and-supply agreement last month that would allow the Liberals to govern until 2025. McCleave-Kennedy isn’t concerned that agreement will complicate the work being done at a provincial level.

“It shouldn’t complicate it in that obviously federal and provincial are different,” she says. “But there have been questions about it for sure. I’m hoping once we get into the election people understand clearly what’s happening provincially and what’s happening federally.”

McCleave-Kennedy is confident her party will find success not only locally, but across Ontario as well.

“I think the NDP has the strength to push forward this time,” she says. “I think we’re going to see an orange slide across the north. There’s a lot of strong candidates in the NDP, it’s a diverse group, with a very strong government coming in.”