Incumbent since 2003: John Milloy (Liberal, not running in 2014)
Nominated/registered candidates:
Patrick Bernier (Libertarian)
Margaret Johnston (New Democrat)
Ronnie Smith (Green)
Daiene Vernile (Liberal)
Wayne Wettlaufer (Progressive Conservative)
Candidate survey responses:
(NOTE: Some responses exceeded word limits and have been truncated at that point. Other than that, all responses have been posted unedited.)
How long have you lived in the riding? (max. 20 words)
Patrick Bernier: I transplanted to Kitchener-Center 4.5 years ago.
Margaret Johnston: I moved to Waterloo Region to go to Laurier in 1985 and raised two daughters. I live a block from…
Ronnie Smith: I have lived in Kitchener-Centre for two and a half years with my wife, daughter and dog.
Daiene Vernile: Over three decades in the region – 30 years working and raising our family in downtown Kitchener and Forest Hill neighbourhood.
Wayne Wettlaufer: I was born and raised in Kitchener and have lived here most of my life.
What’s your favourite thing about the riding? (max. 30 words)
PB: I enjoy gems, like Ellison’s Bistro and Fritsch Fragrances, which represent the rich culture of this area.
MJ: I am excited about the innovation and tech sector that is locating in the Tannery District and making Kitchener into Silicon North. As a long-time resident, it is wonderful to…
RS: I love living near the Kitchener Market. The variety of local vendors together with the market creates a nice community buzz. I very much appreciate the robust recycling/compost program.
DV: It’s the diversity of people and their ideas. I’m fortunate to meet so many individuals - in their workplaces, at the Kitchener Market, walking through neighbourhoods, and just about everywhere.
WW: There is a strong sense of community in Kitchener and Waterloo Region. Family values are a top priority and people know and care about one another. There is a strong…
What was your last full-time job before entering politics, for how long did you hold it and when did you leave? (max. 40 words)
PB: I am a Team Leader, and I still work hard for a living. If I were to be elected, I would transfer these competencies and work ethic to Queen's Park.
MJ: I am an elected Trustee on the Waterloo Region District School Board, having served this community and connecting to the daily lives and needs of parents and students for the last 4 years. I am also a Business Developer at…
RS: Research Analyst: Embassy of the Republic of Korea Office of the Defence Attaché. I held this position for three years, leaving in 2012. I relocated to Kitchener to study theology at the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary.
DV: As a broadcast journalist, I’ve produced/anchored CTV’s “Provincewide” for three decades. Interestingly, I started out as Queen’s Park correspondent for CHIN Radio in the late 1970’s. So, I’ve been interested in people and Ontario issues for a long time.
WW: Before entering politics I was an insurance broker for many years. I was first elected in 1995 and served our community as MPP until 2003. Since then I have served on various volunteer boards and worked with local small business…
Aside from family, work, and politics, what occupies your time? (max. 50 words)
PB: I am a goalkeeper in soccer, and an aspiring author. In addition, I dabble in the tutoring of French students.
MJ: With what little free time I have, I dedicate myself to my two daughters and I’m very involved in the Presbyterian Church community and our church camp. I also like to enjoy Ontario’s network of bike trails and recently started boxing lessons.
RS: I am an avid musician, I play the drums, guitar and bass proficiently and I dabble with a variety of instruments; I like to record music; I like to spend time in the garden growing tomatoes; I like to read and play chess; I enjoy canoeing and hiking.
DV: In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering for a variety of groups, especially those which focus on social justice issues. More personally, I’m passionate about cooking authentic Italian cuisine (my heritage). Jogging and yoga help keep me fit. Crosswords and playing classical violin are excellent for sharp thinking.
WW: Marilyn and I enjoy spending time with our family. When I’m not taking the grand kids to swimming I enjoy fishing, golfing, amateur photography and walking through Victoria Park. I’m also involved with the German-Canadian Congress and various community organizations.
Why did you choose to run for your particular party? (max. 75 words)
PB: I represent the Ontario Libertarian Party because I believe in less government. Fewer taxes and more personal accountability will lead to greater prosperity for all via increased options.
MJ: One of the key reasons that I left the School Board to run for the NDP is because of the strong leadership of Andrea Horwath. She is changing the culture of politics at Queen’s Park and putting people first. I have always challenged the status quo in a positive way. And frankly, the NDP is the only Party that I can run for that reflects my convictions and values.
RS: As a father, I chose to run for the Green Party because it’s the only party that offers hope for our children’s future. I believe in the Green Party’s innovative approach to public policy; the Green Party’s platform proves that we can have a community-centric approach that is fiscally responsible. I believe in tax breaks for small businesses, merging the public and Catholic school boards and protecting and managing our natural resources responsibly.
DV: To help people. Everyone wants to be healthy, prosperous, feel secure, and enjoy opportunities. How we do this as a respectful society is the question.
As a journalist, I’m interested in issues and ideas that make a difference in peoples’ lives.
Personally, and through volunteering, I’ve taken a steady, caring and long-term approach to improving our community.
Kathleen Wynne is of the same mind and inspires me to help others through greater public service.
WW: Having served as the Progressive Conservative MPP for Kitchener Centre, I am confident in our party’s ability to get Ontario working again.
Ontario has been well served by PC governments for 52 of the last 71 years. Under the PCs, Ontario has led the way on many fronts. We enacted Canada’s first human rights code in 1962. We created Ontario’s College system in 1965. We created Ontario’s Living Legacy in 1999, which protected over 2.4…
2011 results:
John Milloy (Liberal): 15,392
Dave MacDonald (Progressive Conservative): 15,069
Cameron Dearlove (New Democrat): 7,385
Mark Vercouteren (Green): 938
Patrick G. Bernier (Libertarian): 240
Mark Corbiere (Independent): 137
Burga Atsiz (Freedom): 77
