Incumbent since 1999: Dave Levac (Liberal)
Nominated/registered candidates:
Ken Burns (Green)
Alex Felsky (New Democrat)
Rob Ferguson (Libertarian)
Phil Gillies (Progressive Conservative)
Dave Levac (Liberal)
Brittni Mitchell (Freedom)
John Turmel (Paupers)
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)
Ken Burns: I have lived in Brant for the past six years on property that my family has enjoyed for 35 years.
Alex Felsky: I chose to move to Brantford with my husband to start my business and my family in 2007. I'm involved…
What’s your favourite thing about the riding?(max. 30 words)
KB: The people, growing enthusiasm for social innovation, and the incredible potential to demonstrate how urban, rural, and First Nations’ communities can work together for common benefit economically, environmentally, and socially.
AF: Brant is a great place to raise a family. The sense of community is huge and we have so many fantastic people who give back to make our diverse communities…
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)
KB: I worked in the arts for over 20 years, as a stage manager and in labour relations, owned and operated a local small business, and most recently I have worked for the Ministry of Labour for just over a year.
AF: I founded my own company, building the business from the ground up. My organizing consultancy service is now in its sixth year of business and serves clients across Southwestern Ontario. As an entrepreneur, I understand the vital role small businesses…
Aside from family, work, and politics, what occupies your time? (max. 50 words)
KB: I am currently pursuing a Masters Environment and Business degree through the University of Waterloo. The focus of the program is on sustainable development, ensuring that we meet the needs of the current generation environmentally, socially, and economically without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
AF: Volunteering for various local charities and advocating for improved access to heath care for families, cooking, gardening, reading, and walking the trails around Brantford with my husband Tim and our boys, Nathaniel and Leo.
Why did you choose to run for your particular party? (max. 75 words)
KB: Partisan politics has diminished the confidence of people in their government, politicians, and the democratic process. The Green Party platform is based on having an honest conversation with Ontarians about the challenges and opportunities ahead of us, the kind of future we want to see, and how we are going to pay for it. Greens are collaborative by nature. Working together is essential to implementing good policy that puts the people of Ontario first.
AF: I want a better future for our children, and the NDP's policies about keeping local schools open makes sense for Brant. We need access to walk-in clinics and only the NDP will deliver on this committment. Our policies around job creation will ensure that there are good local jobs that can support families instead of low paid, contract or temp agency work. we deserve a government that will respect our tax dollars and not taker…
2011 results:
Dave Levac (Liberal): 16,867
Michael St. Amant (Progressive Conservative): 15,761
Brian Van Tilborg (New Democrat): 11,006
Ken Burns (Green): 957
Martin Sitko (Independent): 244
Daniel Hockley (Family Coalition): 237
Rob Ferguson (Libertarian): 190
Dustin Jenner (Freedom): 136
John Turmel (Pauper): 86
