Get to know your candidates: Essex

Meet your federal election candidates in Essex.

Get to know your Essex candidates for the 2025 federal election. CTV Windsor has compiled elevator pitches and a question and answer with each candidate.

Jason Henry – People’s Party of Canada

Henry declined the Elevator Pitch opportunity.

Tell us a little bit about your life?

I’ve lived in Essex County all my life (51 years). I have given back to the community in various ways over the years, namely veterans support via the Southern Ontario Military Muster. My wife and I have raised four children in the Harrow community. I work in the trades as a mobile crane operator with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 and have been running a crawler crane on the new International Gordie Howe Bridge project for the past four and a half years. I have been the JHSC worker Co-chair on the Gordie Howe International Bridge job and part of a safety program that not once but received the prestigious John Beck Safety award an amazing three times! I’ve seen many ups and downs for the area over the years, but the past eight years there has been more downs than ups. Corruption to programs that are hurting Canadians is why I decided to jump into the ring under the PPC and Maxime Bernier’s leadership. Canada is broken and needs new faces in Ottawa to help set in back on track!

How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?

The PPC opposes retaliatory tariffs, which hurt Essex workers more. We’d negotiate free-trade exemptions for Windsor-Essex’s auto and agriculture sectors, protecting 30,000 jobs tied to U.S. markets. Our platform cuts payroll taxes, helping businesses avoid layoffs, and deregulates to let firms pivot to new markets like Asia. We’d fund private retraining for displaced workers, targeting high-demand fields like tech, without government bloat. Unlike other parties’ subsidy-heavy plans, we reject bailouts, trusting markets to adapt. Windsor’s greenhouse growers and auto suppliers need freedom from red tape, not Ottawa’s interference. We’d reduce federal spending to stabilize the economy, shielding workers from inflation. Our “Canada First” approach ensures trade policies prioritize Essex families, not globalist agendas. By fostering competition and innovation, we’ll help workers thrive despite tariffs. The PPC’s plan empowers Windsor-Essex to weather trade shocks through resilience, not dependence on government handouts.

Name one thing the previous government got wrong.

Going after law abiding firearms owners to try and stop the rising gun crime in Canada to which law enforcement have confirmed what we’ve known all along that the guns in criminal’s hands are coming from across the border and not from law abiding firearms owners locked up guns. Firearm owners are the most vetted Canadians and safest people when it comes to owning and handling firearms. The Liberal government and its lobbyists have misled the public to thinking our LAGO’s are the problem. They are not and the facts prove it.

Name one thing the previous government got right.

How to divide a country. Over the last eight years of the Liberal party being in Ottawa, they have mastered the art of dividing the country through various ways, I call it the great divide. For example, sending billions of taxpayers’ money to Ukraine to support a conflict we have no business in when that money could be used right here to help Canadians, for example, that are suffering from the rampant illegal drug epidemic. Pandering to minority groups over the best interest of Canadians as a whole. The list goes on and things like I mentioned are just two major reasons the country is so divided.

If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?

It would be the local farmers markets/stands, restaurants, wineries, and the Windsor riverfront.

What do you want voters to know about you?

I want voters to know I’m just like them. I’m a blue-collar worker and have concerns for the direction Canada is going in, just like them. That is the reason I decided to join the PPC under Maxime Bernier’s leadership because the PPC has a platform that aligns with Canada’s best interests at heart. We all want a better future for generations to come and voting for new faces in Ottawa, and a way to achieve that is by voting for PPC candidates. If people haven’t read the PPC platform yet, I recommend they do because I bet most will be surprised at how much it aligns with what they want to see in a party.

Chris Lewis – Conservative Party of Canada

Tell us a little bit about your life?

I am a long-time resident of Kingsville. My family history dates back in Kingsville well over 200 years!

I am the loving husband of my beautiful wife, Allison, proud father of three and even prouder Pip of my grandson, Levi.

I was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Essex in October 2019. I have served on the Standing Committee for International Trade through the CUSMA negotiations, the Standing Committee for Justice and Human Rights, as well as the Standing Committee for Transportation, Infrastructure, and Communities. I was appointed to the Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States. I was previously appointed Deputy Shadow Minister of Canada/U.S. Relations and Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and the Shadow Minister for Labour. It is my continued honour to serve as the Chair of the Conservative Auto Caucus. I am fervent in my support of the U.S.-Canada relationship and am committed to working to help that relationship grow.

My commitment to work ethically and with passion to help others is the driver for me to “leave the world a better place than I found it”… Something I strongly believe in for our future generations.

How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?

Conservatives will propose accelerated re-negotiations to replace the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), bringing in a new deal on trade and security. We will also propose that both countries pause tariffs while we renegotiate a deal. Canadian businesses and workers need certainty now. During the negotiations, we will protect our border, our resources, our farmers, including our supply-managed farmers, our fresh water, and our automotive workers. A Conservative government will launch a Keep Canadians Working Fund, a targeted, temporary loan program for businesses directly hit, helping them keep workers on the job.

Name one thing the previous government got wrong. Name one thing the previous government got right.

Simply put… Liberals did not support workers. My private members Bill C-241, a bill that would allow travelling skilled trades people to write off their expenses for travel, lodging, and meals. They voted against skilled trade workers. However, it did pass through the House of Commons, as well as through the Senate, only to be shelved. Liberals claim to be on the side of workers… Conservatives take action. A Conservative government will make this legislation permanent, to ensure that those who build our homes, build our streets and bridges and fix our infrastructure are treated fairly.

My mother taught me a long time ago… If you have nothing nice to say… Don’t say anything at all.

If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?

This is a great question! We have five unique and amazing communities across Essex. It is hard to choose only one.

I would definitely include a tour of one of our wineries (the best in the world) and visits to our many historic sites. Perhaps the Canadian Transportation Museum, The Amherstburg Freedom Museum, and of course the Fort Malden National Historic Site as examples.

There are countless opportunities to enjoy in Essex! A friendly, warm and welcoming destination to say the least!

What do you want voters to know about you?

My passion and commitment is to leave the world a better place than I found it. The honour of serving the people of Essex has been the most rewarding and humbling experience of my life.

I trust Pierre Poilievre with my children and grandchild’s futures. I respectfully ask for support from the people of Essex, again, to represent you in Ottawa.

It is nothing less than amazing that a simple guy from Kingsville could achieve his dream of serving others. Everything and anything is possible. Let’s bring it home!

Chris Sutton – Liberal Party of Canada

Tell us a little bit about your life?

I am a veteran, farm owner and proud 35 year UBC Millwright. Over the course of my career, I have had opportunities to work in many industries and sectors. In my current role as Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, I represent 10,000 UBC Millwrights across Canada for the Millwright Regional Council (MRC). In my role I am tasked with engaging all levels of government on issues and concerns that impact UBC Millwrights, skilled tradespeople and workers of all sectors - fighting for everybody. Some of these important issues are: Childcare, immigration policies, creating safe workplaces and skills development. I will continue to advocate for workers and the industries they work in to find new opportunities that will grow industry and train the next generation of skilled workers.

How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?

I’m a pragmatic guy. There’s no sound bite solution that can change Trump. I recognize that we need a combination of a leader with an outstanding resume and experience when it comes to dealing with macroeconomics and local MPs who understand our region, speak up for our region and industries and just as importantly are part of the government. I met Mark Carney during his first week of campaigning here in our region and he hears me. I know: 1. Supporting a strong leader like Mark Carney with a strategy that protects and supports our auto sector and our agricultural industries. 2. Supporting a leader who has a plan to invest in workers as well as protect workers and jobs. 3. By representing our riding’s communities to make sure the concerns and issues are being heard in Ottawa and that being a part of finding a solution that minimizes the impact on our communities is the best way to protect the way we make our living. We’re connected to Windsor, but we’re not Windsor. We need a voice at the table.

Name one thing the previous government got wrong. Name one thing the previous government got right.

Good legislation requires public involvement and communication. I would not say they got it wrong in the carbon pricing. Most people know we have to do something about the environment. However, I think the carbon pricing seems to be what most Canadians could not get behind. I think the government needed to take more time to explain the intention of the incentive to give people a thorough understanding of the benefits. I think this is why Canadians did not get behind it, so it didn’t work. Mark Carney has committed to getting rid of consumer carbon pricing and create better ways to support Canadians and address climate change. I am committing to bringing what regular people care about to the table.

I think what they got right was historical investments and legislation that create opportunities, protect workers and our communities. Investments in the Gordie Howe Bridge, progress on childcare, and the historic NextStar (battery plant) investment are just a few examples. The next government will be about building and investing. I will make sure our communities’ needs are heard.

If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?

As you know, Essex is a large region made up of seven districts, each with their own stories and historical legacies. I would suggest they tour the county enjoying our wineries, breweries and distilleries, spend time in our friendly communities, take in all our historical sites, and make sure to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner while they are out at any of our great restaurants and coffee shops. It will be the best experience and enjoyable day.

What do you want voters to know about you?

I am a hardworking guy whose first job was community centre custodian and through hard work and determination became a UBC Millwright. I’m a registered gun owner who enjoys sport shooting and understands the difference between being tough on crime and responsible gun ownership and rules. I enjoy spending time with my wife. We enjoy riding motorcycles and meeting like-minded motorcyclists. We do a charity ride “Hogs for Hospice” that supports our community. Building a strong community is important to me. I am ready to bring a new approach to politics in representing the communities of Essex County.

Lori Wightman – New Democratic Party

Tell us a little bit about your life?

I have lived here in Essex County my whole life. I grew up in a working-class family headed by a hardworking single mom. We were a union family, and nothing made me prouder than when I started my job with the Essex County Library and became a Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) member. I had the honour of leading my union for 13 years which included the eight-month long strike of the Essex County Library.

My entire adult life I have worked to achieve best outcomes for people - either through my library work, my leadership role with CUPE, or my five years as Administrative Director and President of the Amherstburg Community Foundation. I have a strong work ethic and believe that standing with people, listening to their perspective is the best way to represent them. I am a mom, a very proud grandma and currently live in Amherstburg with my partner, Kevin.

How would you support or protect the auto industry, greenhouse sector, and Essex County farmers from the Trump tariffs?

We are at the very beginning of the Trump presidency with much uncertainty ahead. We know that Liberals will continue to protect billionaires while Conservatives will fight for CEO’s. Only the NDP has a plan that will help workers, protect jobs, and allow us to weather this storm.

Boosting Canadian jobs in the auto industry by offering an instant rebate on Canadian made electric or hybrid vehicles. Institute a Build Canadian, Buy Canadian strategy to build more of what we need here in Canada and prioritize products made by Canadian workers in public procurement. The NDP will be working to diversify trade partners and work with our allies to pressure the U.S. To protect workers, the NDP has the Workers for Canada plan, which meaningfully reforms EI to reduce waiting times, reduce threshold to qualify, extend the duration of benefits and increase the benefit level with a minimum weekly benefit of $450. It will also expand work share to help keep people employed and keep industries operating.

As for the agriculture sector the NDP are committed to supporting and growing Canada’s food sector, we will:

• Protect supply management for farmers and consumers in all trade negotiations.
• Diversify markets for Canadian agricultural exports to reduce reliance on the United States.
• Introduce a payment protection program for produce growers and take immediate steps to restore protection for growers selling to the United States.
• Create a Pan-Canadian Food Strategy that will make Canada a leader in sustainable food production.
• Invest in farming communities to make sure that they’re ready to respond to climate change.
• Establish clear food labelling and traceability rules, with accompanying public education – so that Canadians can feel confident that they are purchasing safe and healthy Canadian made food for their families. Invest in high-speed broadband and cell phone infrastructure to connect farmers and rural communities.
• Respond to the unique challenges facing young and new farmers, including through support for succession planning.

New Democrats support taking financial pressure off farmers who don’t have an alternative to propane or natural gas to run high-powered grain dryers, grow produce in greenhouses, or heat or cool buildings for livestock. That’s why we supported Bill C-234 (carbon tax exemptions for farmers) at all stages in the House of Commons. We do not support the amendments made by the unelected Senate.

Name one thing the previous government got wrong.

Failing to protect Canadian families from skyrocketing grocery prices and refusing to hold the grocery corporations accountable for raking in record profits on the backs of working-class people just trying to put food on the table.

Name one thing the previous government got right.

Working with the NDP to get national dental care and pharmacare. The NDP push for these two programs puts more money into the pockets of people across the country and, in the long run, will increase the health outcomes of millions of Canadians, reducing the pressure on our healthcare system.

If you have out of town guests coming to Windsor-Essex, what is your go-to tourist attraction to show them?

I would take them for, what we in our family call “a ride up the coast.” With over 200 kilometres of shoreline spreading across eight municipalities, you can find something beautiful, fun, exciting and educational at every stop along the way. Whether it’s a weekend jaunt or an afternoon spin - every one of our beautiful towns has something to offer.

What do you want voters to know about you?

That there isn’t anyone that will work harder or fight stronger for the people of Essex. It’s how I view leadership. I’ll listen. I’ll fight. I’ll show up. And I’ll offer the same commitment, tenacity and solidarity to the people of Essex that I’ve given in every challenge I’ve faced in my life.