Reflections After the YWCA Sudbury Town Hall

Letter to the Editor

For Immediate Publication 

April 11, 2025

Building Bridges, Not Divisions: Reflections After the YWCA Sudbury Town Hall

As the federal election campaign continues, it was a privilege to participate in the YWCA Sudbury Town Hall alongside local leaders, grassroots organizations, and fellow candidates. I want to thank YWCA Sudbury and its partners for organizing a meaningful, inclusive evening that put crucial social issues at the forefront of the discussion—where they belong.

The event brought attention to issues of great importance, such as gender-based violence, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, barriers for immigrants and refugees, affordable childcare, and the urgent need for housing and mental health support. These aren't just policy topics—they reflect the daily realities and struggles of many across our region.

It was moving to hear directly from Marlene Gorman (YWCA Sudbury), Stacy Woods (Drag the Vote Campaign), Adebola Adefioye (Afro Women and Youth Foundation), Raymond Landry (Le Centre de santé communautaire du Grand Sudbury), and Tracy Saarikoski (Discovery Early Learning & Care). Each of them shared powerful insights grounded in local experience. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for their outstanding work —their contributions to residents are truly invaluable.

It was also interesting to hear the perspectives of fellow candidates present. While we may not always agree on every solution, we share a common goal: to improve people's lives in Sudbury East–Manitoulin–Nickel Belt. It was concerning to see no Conservative candidates in attendance. If they can't show up to face tough questions during an election, it raises serious doubts about their ability to meet the demands of both their constituents and the rigorous schedule expected of parliamentarians.

As your Liberal candidate and the incumbent MP, I remain committed to working for the best interest of residents. I believe in listening with empathy, supporting fact-based policy, and making space for respectful dialogue. Now more than ever, we need to reject the politics of division and instead build bridges between communities and across political lines. It is paramount that we safeguard previously introduced Liberal programs such as the $10/day childcare program, strengthening support for survivors of gender-based violence, and protecting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive freedoms for all, and further expanding affordable housing accessibility.

Mark Carney released the Liberal plan to reduce crime and make Canadian communities safer. It includes protecting victims of sexual violence and intimate partner violence by increasing penalties for offenders. It also aims to keep children safe from online crimes and address the rise in hate. The plan includes more funding for the Canada Community Security Program to support our communities. It will create a law that makes it a crime to block access to places of worship, schools, and community centres and provide additional support for law enforcement.

I'm proud of our work—but there's more to do. If I have the honour of being re-elected, I will make sure area priorities are strongly represented in Ottawa. We can achieve great things together with a capable and collaborative leader like Mark Carney.

Miigwetch. Merci. Thank you.

Marc G. Serré, Federal Liberal Candidate

Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel BeltLetter to the Editor

For Immediate Publication 

April 11, 2025

Building Bridges, Not Divisions: Reflections After the YWCA Sudbury Town Hall

As the federal election campaign continues, it was a privilege to participate in the YWCA Sudbury Town Hall alongside local leaders, grassroots organizations, and fellow candidates. I want to thank YWCA Sudbury and its partners for organizing a meaningful, inclusive evening that put crucial social issues at the forefront of the discussion—where they belong.

The event brought attention to issues of great importance, such as gender-based violence, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, barriers for immigrants and refugees, affordable childcare, and the urgent need for housing and mental health support. These aren't just policy topics—they reflect the daily realities and struggles of many across our region.

It was moving to hear directly from Marlene Gorman (YWCA Sudbury), Stacy Woods (Drag the Vote Campaign), Adebola Adefioye (Afro Women and Youth Foundation), Raymond Landry (Le Centre de santé communautaire du Grand Sudbury), and Tracy Saarikoski (Discovery Early Learning & Care). Each of them shared powerful insights grounded in local experience. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for their outstanding work —their contributions to residents are truly invaluable.

It was also interesting to hear the perspectives of fellow candidates present. While we may not always agree on every solution, we share a common goal: to improve people's lives in Sudbury East–Manitoulin–Nickel Belt. It was concerning to see no Conservative candidates in attendance. If they can't show up to face tough questions during an election, it raises serious doubts about their ability to meet the demands of both their constituents and the rigorous schedule expected of parliamentarians.

As your Liberal candidate and the incumbent MP, I remain committed to working for the best interest of residents. I believe in listening with empathy, supporting fact-based policy, and making space for respectful dialogue. Now more than ever, we need to reject the politics of division and instead build bridges between communities and across political lines. It is paramount that we safeguard previously introduced Liberal programs such as the $10/day childcare program, strengthening support for survivors of gender-based violence, and protecting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive freedoms for all, and further expanding affordable housing accessibility.

Mark Carney released the Liberal plan to reduce crime and make Canadian communities safer. It includes protecting victims of sexual violence and intimate partner violence by increasing penalties for offenders. It also aims to keep children safe from online crimes and address the rise in hate. The plan includes more funding for the Canada Community Security Program to support our communities. It will create a law that makes it a crime to block access to places of worship, schools, and community centres and provide additional support for law enforcement.

I'm proud of our work—but there's more to do. If I have the honour of being re-elected, I will make sure area priorities are strongly represented in Ottawa. We can achieve great things together with a capable and collaborative leader like Mark Carney.

Miigwetch. Merci. Thank you.

Marc G. Serré, Federal Liberal Candidate

Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt