The St. Catharines riding is bordered on three sides by the Niagara Region, with Lake Ontario to the north and encompasses most of the city.
Home to a population of 111,690, the riding has been represented by NDP’s Jennie Stevens since 2018, making her the first woman ever to hold this position. She’s running again in this upcoming provincial election.
One of her challengers is PC candidate Sal Sorrento, who finished in second place during the 2022 election.
CBC Hamilton reached out to major party candidates or their representatives for a survey. Unfortunately, none responded.
Other candidates include Rob Atalick from the New Blue Party, J. Justin O’Donnell representing Ontario Alliance, Liz Leeuwenburg from the Ontario Party, and Natalia Benoit with Stop the New Sex-Ed Agenda.
Robin Mc Pherson, Liberal
According to her campaign website, Robin Mc Pherson is St. Catharines’ first 2SLGBTQ+ councillor.
She and her partner started a digital communications business and live downtown.
Mc Pherson has been involved in several local community boards and committees and has initiated projects like an art auction without price tags, a social media club, and a walking wayfinder initiative.
Sal Sorrento, PC
Sal Sorrento’s campaign site states he’s committed his life to serving residents as both an outreach worker and volunteer while also being a two-term city councillor.
“During his time on council, Sal has been an assertive community advocate for seniors, affordable housing, mental health and is known for his relentless pursuit of improving long-term care,” his profile says.
He’s engaged in his church’s program providing shelter for those facing homelessness as well as participating in various festivals and serving on the board of the Niagara Multicultural Centre.
Jennie Stevens, NDP
Before becoming MPP, Stevens worked as a city councillor and was involved in healthcare advocacy for seniors according to her campaign site.
At Queen’s Park she has “championed” policies aimed at supporting veterans through advocating for expanding the Soldiers Aid Commission. She’s also pushed for universal access to barrier-free contraception.
“Our community is home to incredibly hard working people who deserve a government that’s focused on keeping our emergency rooms open, building affordable homes, fixing our schools and taking care of our seniors,” said Stevens in a news release.
