In less than two weeks, Canadians will go to the voting urn as the Federal Election gets underway. Below you can read a quick profile, as well as find contact information and more to all candidates in the Niagara Centre riding, which encompasses Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne.
Vance Badawey, Liberal Party (Incumbent)
Vance Badawey began his career in politics as a city councilor in Port Colborne, where he was born and raised and has been working in the private sector for over 35 years, notably through founding strategy firm Vance Badawey & Associates.
He has also served as Mayor for two terms in Port Colborne.
Vance is a two-term (2015 – present) Member of Parliament for the riding of Niagara Centre, representing the Liberal Party.
He is also a Member of the House of Commons Liaison Committee, and a Member of the Senate/House Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations.
Official channels: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Graham Speck, Conservative
Candidate Graham Speck has been splitting his time between politics and the family-run printing business before running for the Conservatives.
Speck was born in Niagara and currently serves as Ward 5 councilor in Welland, where he also lives.
He has been serving on the board of directors of The Stair Climb for Children’s Cancer and Rotary Club of Welland.
Speck has a Bachelor's degree in Canadian Public Policy and Administration.
Official channels: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Melissa McGlashan, NDP
Welland resident Melissa McGlashan announced her candidacy for MP in June, after previously running for NDP in Flamborough-Glanbrook in the 2018 provincial election.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Science from the University of Toronto, and has previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry, and has held several volunteer positions in Niagara.
She says her activism focuses on public transit, worker’s rights, biodiversity, climate action, and water protection.
Official channels: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Kurtis McCartney, Green Party
Brock University graduate Kurtis McCartney has a past working in programming, marketing, insurance, and in the role as an instructor prior to receiving the nomination to run for the Green Party as a Federal candidate.
McCartney, a life-long Niagara resident has worked in political campaigns in all levels of Government and has experience as a volunteer with several organizations as a board member and fundraiser.
Their key issues focuses on affordable housing and climate action.
Official channels: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Michael Kimmons, People's Party of Canada, PPC
Describing himself as 'not a politician', first-time candidate Michael Kimmons says he will be taking his experience as a former army reservist, construction worker and family man to parliament by running for PPC.
The Port Colborne resident works as Drywaller, while managing his candidature.
He says he wants to work to make Canada 'a country that is fair, free and fiscally responsible,'
