Local champion Debbie Chapman kicking NDP campaign into high gear in Kitchener Centre

KITCHENER - With the by-election now called in Kitchener Centre, Ontario NDP candidate and local champion Debbie Chapman and her team are kicking their campaign into high gear.

“People are frustrated by the rising costs of rent, mortgages, groceries, and every day essentials,” Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said. “And instead of helping, Ford’s corrupt Conservatives are making everything worse. They’re rigging the system to help a select few of their insider friends get even richer.”

“Only Debbie Chapman will stand up for the people of Kitchener Centre,” Stiles said. “Debbie has a proven, progressive track record as a City Councillor. She knows what the community’s priorities are and I know she will go to bat for them every single day as the next member of our Official Opposition caucus at Queen’s Park.”

Voters in Kitchener Centre can count on Chapman to fight to:

• build homes people can afford, including a mix of starter homes, purpose-built rentals, and affordable housing
• end renovictionsand bring back real rent control
• shorten health care wait times by investing in our health care workforce and recruiting new doctors and nurses
• make life more affordable by raising wages, doubling ODSP & OW, creating good jobs and ending price gouging

“This by-election is a chance to ensure Kitchener Centre keeps a strong, progressive voice in the Legislature,” said Stiles. “I’m excited for her to continue the strong track record of representation and join Catherine Fife as our amazing NDP MPPs for Kitchener–Waterloo.”

“I’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced in our community, brought on by years of underinvestment by the Ford government,” Chapman said. “I’m running because I know that a better Ontario is possible. I’m excited for the chance to join the strong Official Opposition team and bring our community’s voice to Queen’s Park. Together, we can win more for our community, and people across the province, and ensure a dignified life for all.”

Chapman has been the Councillor for Ward 9 on Kitchener City Council for five years. She was first elected in 2018 with 52% of the vote, and re-elected for a second term with 60% of the vote.

Chapman and her energetic team have been out knocking on doors and connecting to voters for 21 weeks now—since she was nominated on June 6.

Election Day is Thursday, November 30, 2023.

QUOTES

Catherine Fife, NDP MPP for Waterloo:

“In this by-election, the clear choice is Debbie Chapman and the Ontario NDP. Electing an experienced community builder means that not only would Kitchener Centre get a proven champion as their MPP but would also join a strong Official Opposition to counter Ford’s reckless agenda on healthcare, housing, the environment, and transit.”

BIO

• An experienced, effective community advocate, Debbie has served on Kitchener City Council for close to five years. She was first elected in Ward 9 with 52% of the vote, and re-elected with 60% of the vote.The ward falls entirely into the provincial boundaries for Kitchener Centre.
• She has been a passionate advocate for more affordable homes, better public health care, and good governance.
• Debbie also teaches at Wilfrid Laurier University and has extensive private sector experience.
• Raised in Kitchener Centre from when she was young, her commitment to public service led her to volunteer as the President of the Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association and with other local organizations.
• Debbie holds a PhD in Political Science and is a published author.
• Debbie and her husband Peter live in Kitchener Centre. Debbie has two adult daughters and a grandson, whom Debbie & Peter spoil.
• Debbie speaks English and Spanish.