Federal New Democratic candidate Dennis Van Meer is proud of his St Catharines roots. “I’ve worked in Hamilton for 19 years,” Van Meer says, “and I drive the QEW every day because my home is St Catharines. I was born and raised here and I’m eager to represent our interests in Ottawa.”
While Dennis is new to federal politics, he is a veteran union activist and is vice-president of United Steel Workers 1005. As part of his union work, Dennis has helped lead the campaign for pension security. Noting the example of the recent Sears bankruptcy that left long-time employees without pensions, he has taken the fight to Ottawa. There he has effectively lobbied MPs of all parties for legislation that protects worker’s rights.
Dennis comes from a working background and understands the challenges facing average Canadians. “We have the highest personal debt load in the world, but we maintain a tax system that benefits the rich at the expense of the middle class and working poor,” he says. “I know how hard people work just to keep their heads above water. We need real reform that redistributes the tax burden more equitably.”
“I believe we can have a country where everyone can live with dignity and security,” Van Meer declares, “and I want to go to Ottawa and work to make it happen.”
With thoughtful policies based on solid economic and social research, Van Meer is convinced that we can once again create a thriving, sustainable, environmentally sound economy in St Catharines. “We are perfectly positioned to build on the burgeoning tourist and wine industries,” Van Meer says. “We are at the hub of communication and transportation systems and an hour from the largest urban region in Canada. It’s a great place to live and work. Proper planning and thoughtful policies will draw companies to St Catharines eager to employ the trained workforce provided by our university and college programs.”
Van Meer points out that rather than empty, ugly eyesores, abandoned industrial “brownfield” sites offer exciting opportunities. “We have a chance to create the future of St Catharines. With federal, provincial, municipal and private involvement, we can use this space for education and training, light industrial use, mixed housing. Let’s be creative. Let’s focus on what we can do and make it happen.
“We’re excited about this campaign,” Van Meer says. “The NDP is the only party that has the vision, compassion and inclusivity to create a nation and a region that leaves no one behind.”
While Dennis is new to federal politics, he is a veteran union activist and is vice-president of United Steel Workers 1005. As part of his union work, Dennis has helped lead the campaign for pension security. Noting the example of the recent Sears bankruptcy that left long-time employees without pensions, he has taken the fight to Ottawa. There he has effectively lobbied MPs of all parties for legislation that protects worker’s rights.
Dennis comes from a working background and understands the challenges facing average Canadians. “We have the highest personal debt load in the world, but we maintain a tax system that benefits the rich at the expense of the middle class and working poor,” he says. “I know how hard people work just to keep their heads above water. We need real reform that redistributes the tax burden more equitably.”
“I believe we can have a country where everyone can live with dignity and security,” Van Meer declares, “and I want to go to Ottawa and work to make it happen.”
With thoughtful policies based on solid economic and social research, Van Meer is convinced that we can once again create a thriving, sustainable, environmentally sound economy in St Catharines. “We are perfectly positioned to build on the burgeoning tourist and wine industries,” Van Meer says. “We are at the hub of communication and transportation systems and an hour from the largest urban region in Canada. It’s a great place to live and work. Proper planning and thoughtful policies will draw companies to St Catharines eager to employ the trained workforce provided by our university and college programs.”
Van Meer points out that rather than empty, ugly eyesores, abandoned industrial “brownfield” sites offer exciting opportunities. “We have a chance to create the future of St Catharines. With federal, provincial, municipal and private involvement, we can use this space for education and training, light industrial use, mixed housing. Let’s be creative. Let’s focus on what we can do and make it happen.
“We’re excited about this campaign,” Van Meer says. “The NDP is the only party that has the vision, compassion and inclusivity to create a nation and a region that leaves no one behind.”