THUNDER BAY – Amanda Moddejonge is a relative newcomer to the Thunder Bay area, but has no plans to return to her southern Ontario roots.
Check that.
The 38-year-old mother-of-one would be only too happy to pay frequent visits to Toronto as the elected Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North.
A first-time candidate, Moddejonge is running for the Green Party, says there’s a lot to like about what’s going on in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, but there’s also a lot not to like. It’s the latter she’d like to fix.
“I made a home here a few years ago and I’ve gotten to know a lot of the things that are going on,” she said.
“I know that I can support them with the work that I’ve done and the work that I continue to do. I’m really focused on environmental issues and issues with children and infrastructure issues as well. I’d just like to see a positive change here in Thunder Bay as well.”
Looking at the Thunder Bay-Superior North riding, Moddejonge said the natural beauty of the area must be a huge consideration when looking to grow the regional economy. The two can work hand-in-hand, she said.
“This is a very beautiful and natural area and I’m not against innovation in any way. I just want to see it done in a more sustainable and clean way,” she said.
Running under the Green Party banner, especially in Thunder Bay with its long history of voting Liberal and NDP, won’t be an easy breakthrough.
Moddejonge is realistic about her chances, but said the Green Party’s time is coming.
“I think their voice has been heard over and over again, because every time the Greens come out with something in their platform, whether it be for the Ontario party or for the federal party, they get picked up by other parties and implemented,” she said.
“So things like free tuition, that was a Green Party platform.”
Moddejonge is a certified environmental practitioner and a recent graduate of Confederation College.
The election is scheduled for June 7.
