The provincial election is coming up February 27th…and myFM is helping you get to know our LOCAL CANDIDATES.
Matthew Van Ankum is once again stepping into the political arena as the Green Party candidate for Huron-Bruce in the upcoming provincial election. Having first run in 2022, Van Ankum is driven by his passion for local issues, particularly concerns about nuclear waste storage in South Bruce, affordable housing, and the protection of agricultural land.
Van Ankum believes one of the biggest challenges facing Huron-Bruce is the lack of affordable housing. If elected, he plans to push for policies that make homeownership more accessible, ensuring people can invest in their futures and build wealth over time. He also wants to be a strong voice for the agricultural sector at Queen’s Park, advocating for policies that protect farmers and ensure that Ontario’s agricultural industry remains strong.
One key policy Van Ankum supports is strengthening zoning laws to clearly define agricultural, residential, and industrial areas. He is concerned about prime farmland being converted for industrial use and wants to prevent further loss of agricultural land to developments like warehouses. Looking decades into the future, he believes careful planning now will ensure Ontario’s rural and urban areas remain well-balanced.
Van Ankum also supports a recent Conservative bill that protects agritourism businesses from certain lawsuits, ensuring farmers who open their properties for visitors can continue their businesses without excessive legal risks. He sees this as an example of cross-party cooperation and says he is willing to support policies from any party if they benefit Ontario.
As a fiscal conservative, Van Ankum stresses the importance of financial responsibility in government. He believes Ontario’s current deficit weakens the province’s ability to respond to economic challenges and wants to see more careful spending at all levels of government.
At the heart of his campaign, Van Ankum emphasizes sustainability, both in terms of economic responsibility and environmental protection. He believes in preserving Ontario’s clean air and water and making sure future generations inherit a province that is both financially and environmentally stable.
Written by: K. Milhomens