Boundary changes add Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore election intrigue

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In a riding where the margin of victory has been a slim one per cent in the past two federal elections, the redrawn boundaries and renamed riding of Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore adds another 8,300 voters — and some intrigue — to an electoral district that has displayed a split political personality in recent years.

Incumbent Liberal MP Irek Kusmierczyk has held the federal riding, formerly known as Windsor-Tecumseh, since 2019, but Progressive Conservative MPP Andrew Dowie has won the provincial seat the past two elections. And the NDP held the riding from 2000 to 2019.

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The boundary changes add 29 square kilometres to the riding with the addition of the western portion of Lakeshore and parts of Essex. The riding now encompasses all of Tecumseh, parts of east Windsor and the Sandwich South lands.

The riding is home to 131,097 residents, with 104,257 eligible voters, and covers 218 square kilometres.

Here are the seven Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore candidates on the April 28 federal election ballot:

NICK BABIC, People’s Party of Canada

Occupation: self-employed

Reasons for running: “I think people who choose to run in politics want to create change where they live.

“I’m running because I don’t feel like anyone is doing anything to change things. We’ve had the highest unemployment rate in the country for the past 15 years.”

Priorities: “The number one priority is to get unemployment down. When people don’t have a job, they don’t have money to spend, they can’t afford a home.

“Our crime rates have also skyrocketed, and we have a real homeless problem.”

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KATHY BORRELLI, Conservative Party of Canada

Occupation: registered nurse/small business owner

Reasons for running: “I’m proud to stand with Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada to help restore the promise of our country and build a better life for every resident in our riding.

“I’ve dedicated my life to serving others. I’ve seen firsthand how strong communities are built — by lifting others up and working together.”

Priorities: “Too many families are struggling to make ends meet. Seniors and people with disabilities are relying on food banks. Young people are losing hope that they’ll ever afford a home.”

Borrell lists manufacturing, reducing energy costs and red tape, and health care as priorities.

HELMI CHARIF, Centrist Party of Canada

Occupation: business owner

Reasons for running: “When I Iook at the challenges facing our region, the rising cost of living, job insecurity and the frustrations many of us face, I felt compelled to run again. We need leadership that will stand up to political corruption and failed policies and external threats.”

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Priorities: “The first priority, not just for Windsor-Tecumseh but for all the country, is Canada. Our sovereignty is threatened.

“The second priority is the cost of living. We’ll cut income taxes by 50 per cent. We have to address the health care crisis.”

ALEX ILIJOSKI, New Democratic Party of Canada

Occupation: ambulance communications officer

Reasons for running: “Windsor–Tecumseh–Lakeshore has been overlooked for too long. I’m running with the NDP because we don’t answer to wealthy insiders — we answer to the people.

“I see firsthand how families are struggling — whether it’s the long waits in our overwhelmed health care system, the rising cost of living, or the growing housing crisis.”

Priorities: “Our priorities in this riding are clear: we need action on affordable housing, better access to family doctors and mental health care, stronger support for workers and seniors, and bold steps to create good, unionized jobs — especially in the auto and clean-energy sectors.”

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IREK KUSMIERCZYK, Liberal Party of Canada

Occupation: incumbent MP

Reasons for running: “This election is the most important one in a generation. Our community finds itself on the front lines of Donald Trump’s economic warfare.

“I believe Mark Carney is the leader who has the experience, confidence and calm to lead our country in this moment.”

Priorities: “The number one issue I’m hearing at doors is fighting tariffs.

“We’re also hearing about getting more housing built and the type of housing young people, seniors and working families can afford. Housing and cost of living are critical issues.

“I’m also hearing a lot about investments that strengthen health care.”

BETH ST. DENIS, Christian Heritage Party of Canada

Occupation: small business executive manager

Reasons for running: “A desire to restore logical thinking, moral clarity, and principled leadership to public office.

“It is time to restore our country’s moral compass and to champion policies that uphold justice, protect our children, and promote the well-being of every Canadian.”

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Priorities: “Making life more affordable for Canadians. We will end deficit spending, implement mandatory balanced budgets, eliminate all carbon taxes and promote Canada’s oil and gas industry.

“U.S. tariffs are also a significant concern. We propose investing in agriculture, encouraging domestic manufacturing and enhancing border security.”

ROXANNE TELLIER, Green Party of Canada

Occupation: retired/community volunteer

Reasons for running: “When I look around today, I don’t see a better world than the one I grew up in. I see a world that has become divided and divisive. Unless we begin to repair the damage we’ve done to our only planet, we will condemn our children and grandchildren to lives shortened by our own greed and selfishness.”

Priorities: “Our government will need to support the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and agriculture. Affordable housing is a major issue in Windsor.

“Health care in Canada must put people before profits. Privatization is not the answer.”

[email protected]

Twitter.com/winstarwaddell

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