Mike Holbrook, the Green Party candidate for Hastings-Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga (H-L&A-T), is ready to take on key issues in the upcoming federal election.
With a deep passion for environmental concerns, Holbrook has long been involved in activism, but this year he’s decided to step up and run for office. Born in the U.S. and raised in Canada, Holbrook has spent much of his life working as a tradesman and raising five children. His commitment to environmental issues led him to the Green Party, and now he’s prepared to advocate for the changes he believes are necessary to protect both the environment and the people of H-L&A-T.
Holbrook identifies several key issues facing the riding, with housing and income inequality at the top of his list. “Our housing system is out of control,” Holbrook shared with myFM, pointing to the challenges faced by lower-income residents across the country. He emphasized that income inequality is another growing concern. While these issues are not unique to H-L&A-T, Holbrook believes they must be addressed at the federal level to make real change. While the Green Party’s focus has traditionally been environmental, Holbrook noted that climate action cannot be achieved until the basic needs of the population, like housing and income security, are met.
In response to these challenges, Holbrook proposes a shift toward supporting rural economies. H-L&A-T’s vast resources and small-town communities are crucial to Canada’s economy, yet the area faces lower-than-average income levels. Holbrook believes that government subsidies to large corporations should be redirected to help local businesses and rural economies thrive. By focusing on small businesses and local agriculture, Holbrook believes H-L&A-T can achieve long-term economic sustainability and better support its residents.
Holbrook also addressed the ongoing issue of tariffs and Canada’s trade relationship with the United States. He explained that decades of free trade agreements have left Canada vulnerable, particularly in its resource-based economy. As prices for raw resources fluctuate, Holbrook proposes creating strategic resource reserves through Crown Corporations to buffer Canadian businesses and farmers from price instability. This approach would also encourage more value-added production within Canada, reducing reliance on U.S. trade and helping stabilize the economy.
As the election approaches, Holbrook’s message to voters is clear: the climate crisis must remain a priority, even as immediate concerns like housing and income inequality take centre stage. He urges voters to consider the long-term impact of their choices, as the Green Party continues to advocate for both environmental and economic solutions.
Written by Emily Chatwood
