PelhamToday has reached out to candidates running to represent Niagara West in the Feb. 27 provincial election to tell voters in their own words about themselves and what issues they think are important to Ontarians. Here is PC candidate Sam Oosterhoff's response:
Name: Sam Oosterhoff
Age: 27
Where are you from? West Lincoln, Ontario
Party affiliation: Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Why have you decided to run for office?
I am running for re-election because only Doug Ford and the Ontario PCs have a strong plan to protect Niagara West workers, families, and jobs from the economic turbulence facing us with President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
What do you bring to the table that sets you apart from other candidates?
The people of Niagara West deserve someone who is their voice at Queen’s Park, not the other way around. My team and I will always work tirelessly to ensure local priorities are our top concern, so we can deliver on what matters most for local communities and families. That’s what I have done by delivering local investments for residents: new hospitals, schools, long-term care homes, economic investments creating new jobs, and mental health services. That is what my team and I will keep doing.
In 750 words or less, what do you feel are the top three issues facing Niagara residents (and Ontarians in general) and how would you address them beyond simply providing more funding?
Economic instability, jobs, and affordability. A strong economy is foundational for our ability to invest in other important areas like health care, education, and social services. All of these will be exacerbated by the threat of incoming U.S. tariffs, which is why only the Ontario PCs have a robust plan to protect Ontario workers, families, and businesses. This includes investing in infrastructure to support jobs, supporting retooling and retraining for workers and businesses, and breaking down interprovincial trade barriers. You can read more about our plan here:
https://ontariopc.ca/only-doug-ford-and-the-ontario-pcs-will-protect-ontario/