Election season is upon us Leasiders (again), which means it’s time to “meet” the local candidates vying to represent Don Valley West in Ottawa. Only candidates whose party held a seat in the House of Commons at the time of dissolution are profiled. For a full list of candidates, head to elections.ca.
Liberal: (Incumbent) Rob Oliphant
An experienced accountant as well as an ordained Minister in the United Church, Rob Oliphant has represented Don Valley West in Ottawa for a combined total of 13 years. He was first elected in 2008, before losing his seat in 2011 to Conservative John Carmichael. He won re-election in 2015 and has represented the riding since. In addition to his role as a Member of Parliament, since 2019 he’s served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Trump’s tariffs are top of mind for Oliphant, arguing that it’s what constituents are most concerned about. “From seniors worried about how the economic turmoil will affect their retirement to young families anxious about tariffs driving up the cost of living, it’s an issue for people from all walks of life and all parts of our riding.” He touts the Liberals’ plan to break down trade barriers between provinces, diversify Canada’s international trade partners, and cut taxes for the middle class, which he says will “save families over $800 every year.”
When asked why he’s the best person to represent the riding, he points to his own record: “After 13 years as your Member of Parliament, I know our community well.” He says his time in government has benefited the residents of Don Valley West, pointing to programs such as the Canada Child Benefit, which he claims has lifted 13,000 children in the riding out of poverty, and the Canadian Dental Plan, which, he argues, “helps some 6,000 of my constituents.”
For more information: https://roboliphant.liberal.ca.
Conservative: Rob Pierce.
Rob Pierce is an entrepreneur, businessman and financial services executive with over 40 years of experience in his industry. Recently, Pierce served on the ROM’s Board of Governors and has co-authored a book titled The Family TRĒ, on the management and practices for high net worth and family office management.
Pierce argues that high taxes, street crime and U.S. tariffs are the most important issues facing Don Valley West. He says that he hasn’t “seen as much tax relief in any political platform in a long time,” touting the Conservatives’ promises to cut income tax for those making $57,375 or less and allowing senior citizens to earn up to $34,000 tax free.
He adds that “the federal government needs to encourage an environment where crime can’t flourish.” He says the Conservatives plan to do this by introducing tougher sentences for violent criminals.
On tariffs, Pierce touts the Conservatives’ plan to forgo capital gains tax for companies or individuals who reinvest assets in Canada, saying that we need Canadians to “not send their money south to the U.S.”
He believes he’s the best candidate to represent Don Valley West because of his professional background, which he says has allowed him to make invaluable connections that would benefit residents in the riding, as well as being a “negotiator with a lot of experience brokering agreements.”
He points to fellow Conservative Don Stewart’s win in next door Toronto-St. Paul’s, arguing that the win in the 2024 byelection shows how frustrated Toronto voters are with the current government.
For more information: https://robpierce4donvalleywest.ca.
NDP: Linnea Löfström-Abary
Just 20 years old, Linnea Löfström-Abary has experience as a labour activist, political staffer at Queen’s Park and candidate for the provincial NDP. Currently a student at the University of Ottawa, their first foray into the political world came at age 13, when they participated in the Legislative Page Program at Queen’s Park. This experience left them “inspired by the care and passion that MPPs had for bettering their communities and left that experience motivated to help others through progressive political organizing and activism.”
They see the cost of living as the most challenging issue facing the residents of Don Valley West. “We should be able to afford groceries and everyday essentials, homes that fit our families, and be able to pay our bills.” They’ll represent the riding’s constituents by listening to their concerns and using the constituency office as a community hub, adding that “the community in Don Valley West will be at the centre of every decision I make.”
Löfström-Abary hopes that voters won’t “let fear control [their] participation in the democratic process” by voting strategically. A website for Linnea was not available.
Green: Sheena Sharp
An architect by profession, Sheena Sharp has spent the last 17 years as a small business owner, building homes that are both environmentally sustainable and affordable.
Sharp sees the economy as the most important issue, saying that Canada must decouple itself from the United States. She argues that despite the insistence of “many politicians, including Carney and Poilievre,” the answer is not to build an east to west pipeline, but it is instead to build a green national energy grid.
She’s no stranger to politics, having run to represent the riding both provincially and municipally in the past. She states that she has “less than [a] 1%” chance of winning,” but that she’s committed to ensuring “the big parties are being challenged.” Despite the odds, she believes she is the best candidate to represent Don Valley West because she “works hard and listens.”
Because of her multiple runs for office, she believes her campaign is gaining momentum and says, “we do better than average for the Green Party, but have not yet broken through.”
For more information: https://www.votesheenasharp.ca.
This article was guest contributed by Jake Ross.