Ava Duffy, the NDP candidate for Hastings-Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga (H-L&A-T) in the upcoming federal election, is passionate about tackling issues that directly affect the residents of the riding.
Duffy, a mother of six and former volunteer with the local NDP, explained that her decision to run stems from seeing people in the community struggle with the rising cost of living. “People are struggling, and I want to help,” she shared with myFM. Duffy also expressed concern over the impact of global politics, citing her frustration with what she described as “scary orange man from the South,” referring to U.S. president Donald Trump.
Outside of politics, Duffy brings a diverse background to her candidacy. Before entering the political arena, she worked as a nanny, caring for six children, and held a position as a CAA dispatcher. Duffy also pursued a nursing career, but after a severe bout with COVID-19, her health made it impossible for her to continue in the field. “A career in nursing… is just not feasible for me,” she stated. Duffy’s personal experiences with healthcare, family life, and community service shape her understanding of local needs and concerns.
For Duffy, the most pressing issue facing residents in H-L&A-T is the rising cost of living. With a large, rural riding, the cost of transporting goods such as groceries is significantly higher in places like Bancroft compared to more urban centers like Napanee. Duffy called for increased transparency in grocery pricing, particularly in rural areas, and proposed removing GST on essential items such as groceries, diapers, and children’s clothing. She also advocated for price caps on groceries, a measure she believes would address price gouging by large corporate chains.
Another major issue for Duffy is the lack of affordable housing in the region. She pointed out that many Canadians can’t afford the soaring prices of real estate. “Most Canadians are barely making ends meet, and they can’t save for a down payment,” she said. Duffy supports policies that would increase the availability of affordable housing for both renters and homebuyers.
On the topic of trade relations, particularly with the United States, Duffy emphasized the importance of finding reliable international partners. While acknowledging the challenges posed by U.S. politics, she urged the federal government to focus on building stronger ties with countries that share Canadian values. She also stressed the need for policies that ensure Canadian workers can afford to support local businesses, especially when faced with cheaper imports.
Duffy closed by promising to fight for the needs of her community, stating that NDP MPs are better able to represent their constituents without the pressure of party lines. “I want to actually fight for them,” she affirmed.
Written by Emily Chatwood
