Lori Borthwick, a Bay of Quinte resident since 1989, is running for the first time as the Green Party of Ontario candidate in the Bay of Quinte provincial byelection.
But that doesn’t mean she’s new to politics. Eager to address the climate crisis and help the unhoused population locally, Borthwick has stepped up hoping to secure the MPP’s seat in this Thursday’s (Sept. 19) byelection.
We asked your candidates a few quick questions: Who are you, why are you running and what do you feel are the most important issues in the riding? We also asked if elected what would be your top priorities?
Here’s what we heard:
Borthwick was born-and-raised in Sarnia but later came to call the Bay of Quinte home following her first career position as a respiratory therapist at the Belleville hospital. After 30-plus years working with Quinte Health, she retired but says she still works casually a few days a week at a local cardiology clinic.
She tells us several years ago she started to get more active amid the climate crisis.
Along that path, she says she learned more about another major issue: biodiversity loss, which prompted her work with the Quinte Field Naturalists and other similar initiatives.
In other words, when she’s not in the cardiology clinic, you might find Borthwick picking up cans or containers along the side of the road, as just one example.
When the byelection was called, Borthwick says they were in the middle of trying to find an amazing advocate for Green values ahead of what they thought would be an upcoming general election.
Borthwick is eager to “give voice to Green values,” and believes her party can do things better.
“We’re never told how to vote on issues,” notes Borthwick, of her party. “Mike Schreiner, my leader, doesn’t say, ‘Lori you have to vote yes on this bill even if it would be devastating to the people in my riding.’”
Borthwick says she got involved with the party provincially about five years ago, helping with everything from establishing its constituency association, to working on elections and campaigns, including as a campaign manager.
When asked about the most pressing issues locally, Borthwick spoke about tackling homelessness.
Borthwick says every level of government needs to be collaborating on this issue, stressing “winter is coming.”
The environment is also front-and-centre for Borthwick.
Listen to the full interview below:
Written by Sarah Hyatt
