The Citizen invited Ottawa candidates from the four major provincial parties to explain why you should vote for them on Feb. 27.
The Citizen invited Ottawa candidates from the four major provincial parties to explain why you should vote for them. Those who met our deadlines and protocols will be published this week and next. Today: Carleton riding Liberal candidate Brandon Bay.
What makes Carleton special?
Is it the growing suburbs where young families put down roots, the rural villages where generations have worked the land, our vibrant communities with the space to live and play and raise a family? Is it the incredible access to nature, with forests and trails and the Rideau River?
I choose to live here with my wife and son for many of those reasons, but I think it’s a little different for everyone. The answer I’m landing on is just that universal Canadian one: everybody is just trying to build a good life for themselves and their families.
Lately, that has been getting harder. Like trying to build without the right tools: the effort is there, but the support is missing. People are working harder, stretching every dollar, and still coming up short. These are real challenges that need real solutions.
I’m running in this provincial election because I love this riding and its people, and with the right support, we can build something stronger together.
Health care needs urgent action. In 2022, 15,000 people in Carleton were without a family doctor. We’ve welcomed 27,000 new residents since then, making the shortage even worse. My parents will soon lose their doctors to retirement, just when they need care the most. As a health tech professional, I’ve seen doctors struggle with outdated systems that waste time instead of helping patients. I’ve seen seniors wait months and years for a long-term care bed.
We need to modernize health care, reduce wait times, and get people the care they deserve. Liberal investments will ensure every Ontarian has access to a family doctor within four years.
Housing is at the heart of the affordability crisis. Ontario needs 1.5 million new homes by 2031, but construction isn’t keeping pace. As President of Make Housing Affordable, I’ve worked to push real solutions. Cutting development charge could save Carleton families up to $76,000, making homeownership more affordable and increasing supply. The province holds a strong hand, but refuses to play its cards.
We’ve been investing in the wrong priorities while ignoring what matters most.
Our infrastructure is crumbling, schools are over capacity, and parents can’t find daycare. Climate change is adding pressure, bringing storms and unpredictable weather that hurt farmers and strain communities.
But Carleton has the expertise to lead. Our farmers are adapting to changing conditions; many residents are fighting climate change and saving money by generating their own energy; and our doctors are helping develop health policy. I’ve been listening and learning, and I’m ready to work with our community to invest where it counts: building a more resilient, sustainable and affordable Carleton.
I’m running to bring important change: cutting costs, investing in health care, building more homes, and making life easier for families.
This is where I choose to raise my family. This is where I want to make a difference. Together, we can build Carleton’s best future.
Brandon Bay is the Ontario Liberal candidate for Carleton riding.
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