The opportunity to tap into the potential of Northwestern Ontario drew Brandon Postuma into provincial politics.
The former riding association, Postuma will be carrying the Progressive Conservative banner in Thunder Bay-Atikokan for his first attempt to win elected office.
“We have incredible potential in Northwestern Ontario and I think it’s time we start acting on that potential,” Postuma said. “We have one of the most fun, beautiful, resource-rich areas of the world. This could be the economic engine for all of Ontario.”
Born and raised in the Thunder Bay area, Postuma is a father of three young children and said building a bright future for them is a big reason why he decided to run.
Vowing to be the hardest working politician the riding could have, he is adamant about standing up for the region.
“For me, it’s about having a strong voice at Queen’s Park that no matter what, will represent the needs of the north,” Postuma said. “People feel like that is not happening right now. I will be that strong voice and I will definitely be at Queen’s Park representing the needs of the north. We’re different here. We need investment and we need specific policy that meets our needs.”
Postuma, a property developer and business owner, serves on the Oliver Paipoonge economic development committee and is well-versed in business concerns.
“People are scared to invest in Ontario whether it is energy costs, whether it’s red tape. We see those issues right across the board,” Postuma said. “It’s time to get in there, talk to people, see what those issues are, clean those issues up and open Ontario up for business, especially Northwestern Ontario.”
Having ties extending beyond the city, he knows issues in those communities are different from those within Thunder Bay.
“This riding is huge. If you’re in the rural municipalities you hear about high taxes, cuts that have been made to certain aspects of funding to rural municipalities,” Postuma said.
“When you’re in the city you hear affordability issues and the biggest two issues I hear right now are hallway health-care and job opportunities.”
