Chatham councilor Brock McGregor is preparing to enter the provincial political arena.
But the 37-year-old Chatham native said running for the MPP’s job in Chatham-Kent-Leamington wasn’t on his mind until he was approached by local New Democrats in their search for a candidate to run in June’s provincial election.
While his focus was on council, McGregor said “some really great discussions” helped convince him to consider the opportunity.
“I think it’s the right time to do this,” he said. “I really hope we can present a really successful option for people in Chatham-Kent–Leamington.”
He said some of his work on council, as well as the issues that are a priority to him, are consistent with the Ontario NDP policy.
“It felt like a really good fit,” McGregor said.
Pointing to the problem of housing affordability – one being felt across the riding and the province – McGregor said he believes strong provincial policy is needed to make sure home ownership isn’t unattainable.
“That’s a huge challenge and that’s something I think the NDP has a strong plan for, and I’m hopeful that will have a big impact in Ontario and our community.”
McGregor also shares the NDP’s views on the importance of more spending in the health-care system.
“I think there’s need for change in Ontario and I’m really excited about a party that understands the challenges that our area faces,” he said.
As he approaches the end of his second term on Chatham-Kent council, which included the role of budget committee chair, McGregor said he’s become increasingly “aware of the impact of provincial policy on everyday lives and how that impacts our local communities and municipalities. ”
A naturopathic doctor by trade, the father of four said a big component of being able to serve on council has been a very supportive family, including his wife Whitney.
“It’s a big family commitment. It’s not just me,” he said. “It’s my whole family that’s involved in this type of decision. It’s something we’re excited about.”
Local New Democrats say they’re excited to have McGregor as their candidate, said riding association president Ryan Jackson.
“He is a leader that understands the challenges that families in the riding face, especially after a long difficult pandemic,” he said. “People in Chatham-Kent-Leamington deserve a representative and a government that will make life better, and we know Brock and the NDP can make that a reality.”
McGregor is to be named the riding’s NDP provincial candidate during a virtual nomination meeting on April 5.
So far, he will be running against the incumbent, Rick Nicholls, who is running as an Ontario Party candidate after being ousted by the Ontario Progressive Conservative party for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Leamington town councilor Trevor Jones is the local PC candidate.
It’s not known yet who will be the Liberal candidate.