Haldimand teen will carry NDP banner in Sept. 20 vote
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The New Democratic Party has selected a teen as its candidate in the riding of Haldimand-Norfolk for the Sept. 20 federal election.
Meghan Piironen, 19, is a student studying political science at the University of Ottawa. The local riding association announced Piironen’s candidacy on Aug. 24.
Piironen did not respond to questions from The Simcoe Reformer about her candidacy and her position on the issues.
However, a biography on the local NDP Facebook page says she was born and raised in Haldimand County and is a former student at Cayuga Secondary School.
“I am passionate about making local change in our community,” she says in an entry on Facebook. “As a youth in Canada, I am concerned for my future. I am concerned about our environmental state, Indigenous communities being denied basic human rights, the ever-rising cost of living, and recovering from COVID-19 in all its aspects: Physically, mentally and economically.”
A biography provided by the local NDP riding association says Piironen founded a chapter of the Gay Straight Alliance while attending high school in Cayuga.
“It was at this time that she also began to work with Pride Haldimand-Norfolk,” the riding association says. “As a member of Pride Haldimand-Norfolk, Meghan had the opportunity to speak at events such as the Bell Let’s Talk Day Wellness Expo in Dunnville as well as to educate others about Two Spirit and LGBTQIA-plus issues with a focus on the importance of mental health.
“Meghan has also participated in numerous events promoting climate action, support for Indigenous land and people, student actions against education cuts, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Meghan’s main focus is representing Haldimand-Norfolk, her home and community, and to be a champion for voices who would otherwise go unheard.”
The Liberal Party has nominated Karen Matthews as its candidate in Haldimand-Norfolk, while Leslyn Lewis has been tapped to represent the Conservatives.
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