The Liberal Party is the first out of the gate in the Nipissing-Timiskaming riding, with supporters giving MP Anthony Rota the nod to lead the charge as its candidate for the 2019 federal election.
Rota spoke to party faithful at the Liberal nomination meeting in North Bay Thursday night.
He expects this election is “not going to be pretty.”
“At my end, I intend to keep my campaign respectful, and rebut false statements with facts, facts based on policies.”
The MP told the crowd he believes Canadians are in better shape now under a Trudeau government than they were three years ago.
“We’ve made it a priority to build the middle-class and we’ve delivered by cutting the taxes for average Canadians. We’ve improved the Canada Child Benefit and are enhancing the Canada Pension Plan,” said Rota.
At the local level, Rota said the biggest issue facing his riding is the economy.
“We want to make sure the economy is doing well in the area, and that we’re attracting and growing companies here,” said Rota.
“We’re starting to see more companies come to town. We’re starting to see growth not only with new companies coming in, but encouraging smaller companies to grow, giving them the help that they need. That’s a big part of what we’re doing.”
The environment is another key concern.
“We want to make sure that we’re looking at green alternatives, making sure the services are there and the possibilities are there to encourage people to use green technology, to develop green technology, so that our emissions will go down because, without the environment, the rest doesn’t really matter.”
The MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming has been told there is a need for more affordable housing.
“On a social basis, we want to increase housing. It’s happening now. We’ve got new housing coming. We want services for seniors, and we want to make sure the services are there for young people as well, and families, so they can afford to bring their children to activities that most families do. So we’re looking at the economy, right through to the environment and into social life.”
Rota announced that Minister for Seniors, Filomena Tassi will be in North Bay November 14 for a roundtable discussion focusing on issues faced by seniors in his riding.
“We’ll be collecting information, working towards better services and a better life for seniors. Seniors have built what we have today, and I think they deserve the best, so we want to make sure we have their input and I’m thrilled that she’s coming to North Bay to hear what we have to offer, or what we have to suggest.”
Rota has served as the MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming four times and currently serves as the Assistant Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, and Assistant Deputy Chair of the Committees of the Whole.
And in previous terms, was chair of the national Liberal caucus, and member of standing committees on national defence and veterans affairs.
“The Liberal Party put forward certain conditions that we had to meet if we wanted to run again. We easily met them. I’m glad that I got the nomination. I’m looking forward to 2019.”
