KITCHENER

Kitchener-Waterloo

Text:

Incumbent since 2012: Catherine Fife (New Democrat)

Nominated/registered candidates:

Jamie Burton (Liberal)

Stacey Danckert (Green)

Catherine Fife (New Democrat)

James Schulz (Libertarian)

Tracey Weiler (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)

Jamie Burton: I was born in Kitchener General Hospital and have worked throughout Waterloo Region, currently residing in Kitchener.

Stacey Danckert: I have lived here with my husband and 2 boys for 8 years, and we love it here.

Catherine Fife: My family and I have lived here for 15 years. Coming to Waterloo was the best move we could have…

James Schulz: I grew up in Kitchener-Waterloo. I actually live fairly close to the Universities.

What’s your favourite thing about the riding?(max. 30 words)

JB: I love the diversity of our riding. From education, to culture – technology and innovation. The diversity of the people and opportunity in Kitchener-Waterloo is second to none.

SD: I love the variety of events, the diversity of people and the opportunities to be part of our community. There are so many innovative ideas for making it even better!

CF: It continues to inspire me how incredibly generous this community is. So many people who live here give their time, their knowledge and their resources to strengthen and grow Waterloo.

JS: There are so many things that Kitchener-Waterloo has to offer. My favourite thing about the riding is the diversity. There's always so much to do here.

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)

JB: I am the co-founder of Dolphin Digital Technologies, which we began in 2006 an ICT consulting firm specializing in virtualization and barrier free employment strategies for people disabilities.

SD: Over the past couple of years, I have been conducting postdoctoral research, building upon my Ph.D, at Baycrest Hospital in Toronto, at Laurier and at the University of Waterloo. Not to mention being a mother and active community member.

CF: I was the research coordinator for two different projects at Wilfrid Laurier University. The projects focused on evolving ethics in social work and child welfare transformation. I worked at WLU from 2003-2008.

JS: I work at the McDonald's on King and Columbia. It's a great place to work. I've learnt a lot while working there about working as a team. I've been working there for more than 3 years now.

Aside from family, work, and politics, what occupies your time? (max. 50 words)

JB: Our family recently took over the camp ground that my family has been visiting for 16 years. This is a truly exciting opportunity that husband and four children are all taking part in making a success.

CF: I am a local food advocate who loves to cook and feed people. I am also an avid reader, writer, and an aspiring photographer. The family dog, Ollie, also keeps me very busy and active.

JS: In my spare time I like to read into philosophy and religion. I was raised in the Mennonite faith, but not on a farm. I do my best to stay informed by reading different newspapers and looking into different perspectives.

Why did you choose to run for your particular party? (max. 75 words)

JB: I support Kathleen Wynne because under her leadership, the Ontario Liberal party put forth a balance and costed plan that will continue to bring jobs to our community, support the most vulnerable in our society and bring the books to balance by 2017/18. This plan provides an opportunity for all, not some.

SD: I was frustrated with the state of provincial politics, and worried about the future for my children. After reading the Green Party policy and meeting the leader, Mike Schreiner, I realized that what they stood for was in line with what I envisioned for my children’s future: strong local communities, sustainable economic and environmental decision making, and politics with integrity and a goal of working together to meet the needs of Ontarians.

CF: I have always been inspired by the goals of the New Democratic Party. Addressing inequality and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves are principles that continue to guide me. As a politician and community member, I know we need to bring democracy to life. Because of the NDP's strong democratic and equitable processes, anyone can contribute and shape our collective priorities. That's the heart of democracy and why I chose to run for…

JS: I am running for the Libertarian Party because I believe in choice and freedom. I do not believe that any person or group should be able to infringe on any of our Rights. I believe that God gives us choice in our lives and that the government does not have the right to take away your choice. Libertarians are different because we don't want to make government bigger, we want to empower the individual.

2012 byelection results:

Catherine Fife (New Democrat): 18,599

Tracey Weiler (Progressive Conservative): 14,851

Eric Davis (Liberal): 11,194

Stacey Danckert (Green): 1,525

Allan Dettweiler (Libertarian): 156

David Driver (Freedom): 95

Elizabeth Rowley (Communist): 85

Garnet Bruce (Independent): 77

Kevin Clarke (People’s): 48

John Turmel (Pauper): 23

2011 results: