NDP Rozhen Asrani (centre) and Liberal Lee Fairclough (right) answer questions from residents. Photo by Tanya Vividly.
By Tanya Vividly
About 100 residents braved the snow and elements to attend a two candidates debate at the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Liberal contender Lee Fairclough and NDP hopeful Rozhen Asrani were the only candidates who showed up to face questions from members of the community weeks before the February 27 Ontario election.
Etobicoke Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth and listed Green Party candidate Sean McClockin were not available.
This February 12 event was sponsored by LAMP CHC and Second Harvest. It was hosted by Daily Bread CEO Neil Hetherington.
About 100 concerned residents braved the snow to attend the candidates debate. Photo by Christina Murie.
Also there was MP James Maloney and interested community members.
There was a discussion of concerns in the community ranging from a proposed shelter on Third Street, food insecurity, affordable housing and improving healthcare.
Both candidates were in support of a shelter to help the homeless.
Members of the audience were encouraged to submit written questions for the candidates to answer.
Liberal candidate for Etobicoke-Lakeshore Lee Fairclough, a long-time health care worker.
The candidates were well-informed and articulate. Fairclough has over 25 years of leadership in healthcare. She has dedicated her career to improving the lives of people in that she started as a radiation therapist at Princess Margaret Hospital.
She was at one time the President of St. Mary’s General Hospital, where she guided her team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, working with public health, local businesses, and community leaders to protect vulnerable populations.
NDP candidate Rozhen Asrani, president of the Mimico Residents Association.
Fairclough, who was also a former competitive athlete and member of Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team at the 1998 World Cup, has a Master’s Degree in Health Policy and is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto.
Asrani was a former president of the Mimico Residents Association and community advocate.
She holds a degree in Economics from the University of Toronto, and has worked for nine years in healthcare technology and innovation. She is now a Senior Product Manager in Digital Health.
Rozhen is running to represent Etobicoke-Lakeshore, believing the area deserves strong leadership and real change.