SIMCOE NORTH NDP
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The Electoral District Association for Simcoe North NDP announces that Angelique Belcourt, a very inspirational, young candidate, has stepped up to run in the 2019 federal election on the Jagmeet Singh team.
Belcourt grew up in Perkinsfield, just outside Midland.
“One thing, I am very proud of is my family ties to the historic Georgian Bay Metis settlement and the French community in the area,” she said. “French is my first language. I want to build a legacy for our community to play a positive role in this and future elections.”
Belcourt also knows that it is critical to build links between all residents of Simcoe North so, together, they can work toward a bountiful future for the young people here.
“Youth are critical to a long-term success of our area, but seniors are an important link in that process. I’m aware of the needs of the aging population of Simcoe North and see my role as advocating for them as well.”
Belcourt lives in Midland and balances between home and Toronto while she completes her Master's in Adult Education and Community Development at the University of Toronto's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
The 23-year-old completed an undergraduate degree at University of Guelph in sociology and spent time as part of the Indigenous Social Work Program at Laurentian University.
She has been an Indigenous advocate and counselor for pregnant and parenting mothers at the Jean Tweed Centre in Toronto, as well as with programs at the Metis Nation of Ontario and Laurentian University.
“I was delighted to have taken part in ‘The Daughters of the Vote’, 2019 in Ottawa. I credit that experience for believing it might be a reality to become the NDP candidate in my home district," she said.
“My first thoughts were about the environment,” Belcourt added. “Many people in my area are farmers and make their living off the land. If we lose that, we lose the future of our area. I am also strongly supportive of youth programs, particularly education and job opportunities that will help our young people get and keep jobs in their hometowns.”
EDA President, Don Brundage, noted: “Angelique applied on her own initiative to be vetted as a candidate for our riding.”
Asked why, Belcourt said: “I just couldn’t sit by and see the NDP not represented on the ballot in Simcoe North. I also felt there was a need for someone to speak to the younger generation out there and represent the relationships we have built in our communities.”
Simcoe North voters now know there are options for them come Oct. 21.
Belcourt was emphatic that voters take the time to educate themselves on the issues. “Check us out,” she added. “See what we mean when we say ‘in it for you’”
Ottawa staff confirmed Belcourt has been vetted and is to be the NDP candidate.
“It is very exciting to have such a well-rounded, civic-minded young person coming forth to participate in our democracy,” said Brundage. “We in the Simcoe North NDP are thrilled to have Angelique join our team.”
The federal election is Oct. 21, 2019. However, voters should know that there are several options to vote early. Check the Elections Canada web site and be sure you are registered to vote.
For more information visit her Facebook page.
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