Jeff Burch |
Melissa McGlashan |
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Following in the footsteps of Mel Swart, Peter Kormos, and Cindy Forster, Jeff Burch is proud to be a part of Niagara Centre's 45 year history of NDP representation. He was first elected to Provincial Parliament during the 2018 General Provincial Election.
Jeff is a life-long resident of Niagara and he is involved in a wide variety of community organisations across the region including the Niagara Folks Arts Centre where he served as the executive director for many years. Jeff served two terms on St. Catharines City Council as the councilor for Merritton. Jeff was inspired to run for provincial office because he wanted to create a better future for his son. Jeff studied at Brock University, where he received his BA in Philosophy. In 1996 he was elected president of the local steelworkers union where he served as a strong advocate for labour. Jeff currently serves as the NDP's critic for municipal affairs due to his significant experience in municipal government. In 2019, Jeff fought and won his first major victory for Niagara when his motion to bring GO Train service to Niagara passed unanimously in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. He continues to work hard to ensure that the needs and concerns of those living in Niagara Centre are heard by the provincial government. |
An active community volunteer, Melissa serves as Vice Chair on both the Welland Transit Advisory Committee and the Welland Public Library Board. She is a member of the recently formed Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee - Niagara, and formerly volunteered with the Council of Canadians working on such issues as fair trade and water protection. Melissa holds an Honours, Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, and was employed for several years in the pharmaceutical industry. Her education and work experience make her an outstanding advocate for health care, pharmacare, and climate change action.
A vocal supporter of retirement security and fair wages, Melissa launched government e-petition E-1332 opposing conversion of secure pensions to insecure pensions. When Niagara College part time teachers were forced to fight for fair working conditions, Melissa was on the front line shining a light on the realities of precarious work. Melissa has served on the Niagara Centre NDP Federal and Provincial Riding Association Executives in numerous positions including Federal President and Chair of the Women’s Committee. Melissa was honoured to run as the Ontario NDP candidate in Flamborough-Glanbrook in the 2018 election when the party asked her to step in, and she welcomes the opportunity to campaign on NDP values here in her Niagara Centre home. |
