We have reached out to local candidates and asked them a series of questions that are on the mind of voters across the riding. Topics range from what they’re hearing at the door, positions on the trade war, cost of living pressures and more.
Here’s what they had to say, in their own words.
Himal Hossain
Green Party of Canada
Tell us about yourself
My story begins with my parents, who came to Canada hoping for a better life. They taught me that resilience, hard work, and community aren’t just values—they’re a way of life. Born in Quebec and raised in Toronto, I grew up in a home where lifting others up and standing by your neighbors mattered. From a young age, I learned that real strength comes from responsibility, fairness, and compassion.
Today, I proudly call Azilda home. Living in this incredible Northern Ontario community has deepened my appreciation for the land, the people, and the sense of belonging that defines life here.
I’ve worn many hats—from working as a VIA Rail conductor to serving as a 988 responder, supporting people through their darkest moments. Mental health advocacy is close to my heart. I’m committed to breaking the stigma and making care accessible for all.
Fluent in English and French, I believe every voice deserves to be heard. I’m stepping forward to serve—because no one should be left behind.
What are you hearing when door-knocking?
At the doors, people are telling me they’re feeling the pressure—from rising costs of food, rent, and everyday essentials. Many are worried about the lack of affordable housing and are looking for real solutions. Health care comes up a lot too—especially the need for better access to mental health support. As a responder with 988, I hear that concern loud and clear.
Folks are also asking about climate action. They care about clean air, water, and protecting the land for future generations. In Northern Ontario, many want good local jobs that don’t come at the cost of the environment.
Most of all, people are looking for leadership that listens and puts community first. The Green Party is committed to a fairer, more sustainable future—one where no one is left behind, and every voice matters.
That’s what I’m standing for at every doorstep—and that’s what I’ll bring to the table if elected.
What would you do about cost of living pressures in your riding?
The rising cost of living is one of the biggest concerns I hear at the doors. Families are struggling to afford groceries, housing, and basic necessities. To tackle this, I support implementing a Guaranteed Livable Income to ensure no one falls through the cracks. We also need to invest in affordable, energy-efficient housing and strengthen rent protections to keep people securely housed.
In Northern communities like ours, improving local food security by supporting small farms and community gardens can help reduce costs and reliance on distant supply chains. Expanding access to public transit and clean energy solutions will lower household bills while protecting our environment.
It’s time to put people first—with smart, sustainable policies that ease everyday pressures and build long-term resilience. Everyone deserves a fair shot at a decent life, and I’m committed to making that a reality right here at home.
Why should someone vote for you?
You should vote for me because I understand the challenges our communities face—and I’m ready to fight for real, lasting solutions. I come from a working-class background, raised by parents who believed in fairness, hard work, and looking out for your neighbors. I’ve worked on the front lines, from VIA Rail to 988, listening to people in crisis and standing up for those who need a voice.
I’m not a career politician—I’m someone who lives the issues we’re talking about: affordability, mental health, housing, and climate. I believe in a politics rooted in compassion, responsibility, and action.
As your Green candidate, I’ll push for a Guaranteed Livable Income, accessible mental health care, and bold climate solutions that create good, local jobs. I will show up, listen, and work tirelessly for you—because our future depends on it.
A vote for me is a vote for people, planet, and community. Let’s build a future where no one is left behind.
What is your position on tariffs and the trade war?
I believe trade should benefit people and the planet—not just large corporations. Tariffs and trade wars often hurt local workers, farmers, and small businesses by driving up costs and disrupting supply chains. We need fair trade, not free trade at any cost. That means putting environmental protections, human rights, and local economic resilience at the heart of our trade agreements.
Canada must stand firm against unfair practices, but retaliatory tariffs alone aren’t the answer. Instead, we should invest in building local capacity—supporting Canadian industries, farmers, and innovators so we’re less vulnerable to global shocks.
Trade should be about cooperation, not conflict. I support a values-based approach that prioritizes sustainability, fairness, and long-term stability over short-term political wins. It’s time for trade policy that works for people, communities
What are potential solutions to housing affordability and homelessness?
Housing is a human right, and everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. To tackle affordability and homelessness, we need a multi-pronged approach. I support building and preserving deeply affordable, non-market housing through co-ops, land trusts, and non-profits. We must increase federal and provincial funding to municipalities to build supportive housing, especially for those facing mental health and addiction challenges.
Stronger rent controls and protections against renovictions are essential to keeping people housed. We also need to curb real estate speculation that drives up prices and prioritize homes for people, not for profit.
Addressing homelessness means investing in wraparound services—mental health care, harm reduction, and income supports—so people can rebuild their lives with dignity.
With bold leadership and community-focused solutions, we can make sure no one is left behind in the fight for housing justice.
Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?
As we face big challenges—from rising costs to a changing climate—what gives me hope is the strength of our communities. I’ve seen how people come together to support one another, and I believe that same spirit can guide our politics. We deserve leaders who listen, who lead with empathy, and who fight for a future that works for everyone—not just the well-connected.
This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about us. It’s about building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future where no one is left behind. Whether it’s tackling housing, mental health, or protecting our environment, I will always put people and community first.
If you believe in a politics of integrity, compassion, and real solutions, I ask for your support. Together, we can turn hope into action—and create lasting change that starts right here at home.
Let’s build the future we all deserve—starting now.
