“The NDP understands the importance of family and we will prioritize family reunification”

A proud resident of Mississauga for 34 years, the past 19 in Malton, Dianne knows and loves this area. She has worked hard for her community as Executive Assistant in the City’s Ward 5 Council office —addressing residents’ concerns and working collaboratively to find solutions.

For the past three years, Dianne has chaired the Malton Community Festival—and she has worked since 2004 to help boost this local treasure. She is also a founding member and long-time volunteer with H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) Toronto Inc., which raises funds for local charities.

Dianne is passionate about protecting our environment for future generations. She has been an active member of the Malton Environmental Stewardship Project and is a five-time city appointee to the Humber Watershed Alliance. Her efforts were honoured with five consecutive Civic Awards of Recognition. Dianne has held various leadership positions in her church community. And she was recently elected to the board of Punjabi Community Health Services.In an exclusive interview with The Weekly Asian Connections NDP candidate from the newly formed riding of Mississauga Malton Dianne Douglas shares

1. What are the top three core areas of your riding that you would like to address?
2. A. I’ve knocked on hundreds of doors and the number one thing that I’ve been hearing on the doorstep is that after ten years of Stephen Harper, Canadians are ready for change. They’re incredibly disappointed at the Liberals teaming up with the Conservatives to pass Bill C-51, a bill that has the potential of criminalizing dissent.

Incomes are dropping and household debt is rising. Today, there are 200,000 more out-of-work Canadians than before the recession. This is particularly striking for Mississauga and the loss of manufacturing jobs. Stephen Harper’s plan just isn’t working.

More and more Canadians are turning to Tom Mulcair and the NDP to defeat Stephen Harper and bring change to Ottawa. Tom Mulcair’s focused on building a stronger middle class—he has a concrete plan to help families get ahead.

1. Why should the voters of the riding cast their ballot in your favor?
2. Stephen Harper has the wrong priorities for Canada. He promised to clean up the scandals and do things differently but he didn’t; and worse yet, new ones were discovered. He’s the reason why Canadians want change in Ottawa.

Many Canadians gave Justin Trudeau a chance but he just hasn’t lived up to expectations. Issue after issue, Justin Trudeau’s inexperience is showing.

Tom was raised on middle class values. He is the second oldest of ten kids. He knows what it means to work hard and live within your means. This election is about change and only New Democrats can defeat Stephen Harper.

I am working hard knocking on doors to listen to, and hear, what is most important to my neighbours. I will continue to listen once elected, to bring the best possible representation of Mississauga-Malton to Ottawa.

1. How will Canada be different if the NDP forms a government at Ottawa?
2. A. A NDP government will kickstart the local economy by cutting the small business tax rate from 11 to 9 percent. Tom’s plan will also increase your CPP benefits and return the age of eligibility for Old Age Security back to 65 from 67. The NDP understands the importance of family and we will prioritize family reunification so that parents and grandparents are not left overseas and separated with their loved ones.

Tom has the experience and principled leadership to bring change to Ottawa and I’m incredibly proud to be on Tom’s team.