> ST. CATHARINES

THE RIDING

The riding of St. Catharines has existed since 1968 after splitting from what was once known as the Lincoln riding. The riding boundary has been redefined multiple times in its history — most recently in 2012. During a redistribution, a fraction of its territory went to the Niagara West and Niagara Centre ridings.

As of 2016, the riding had a population of almost 112,000 with a median household income of just less than $58,000.

THE RACE Chris Bittle, Liberal party (incumbent)

Bittle has represented St. Catharines since 2015. Before entering politics, he practised law in the city for over 10 years.

“Since 2015, I have worked hard to deliver results for the residents of St. Catharines, including the full rehabilitation of the Port Dalhousie Piers, historic investments in public transit and affordable housing and a meaningful reduction in the number of Niagara residents who live in poverty,” Bittle said.

THE ISSUES

“I know one of the biggest issues facing St. Catharines is affordable housing. This is an issue that affects everyone, and we need a real plan to increase housing supply, lower rent prices and ensure a safe place to live for everyone,” Bittle said.

Krystina Waler, Conservative party

Waler ran in the 2019 federal election as a Conservative candidate in St. Catharines.

“I was born and raised in St. Catharines; my mission is to be an effective federal representative that you can be proud to have representing you, and to make St. Catharines the best place to work, live and raise a family,” Waler said.

THE ISSUES

“I have been knocking on doors for months now, and the issues that consistently come up as important to the residents of St. Catharines are housing prices, affordability, COVID recovery and mental health,” Waler continued.

Trecia McLennon, NDP McLennon does not have previous political experience. “My lived experience means I understand that our pandemic recovery must tackle the climate crisis, invest in good jobs with livable wages and ensure everyone has access to the support they need,” McLennon said.

THE ISSUES

“In no particular order, because I believe there’s much interconnection in St. Catharines: the environment and sustainability; housing affordability; Indigenous engagement; health and mental health; jobs and the economy; and strong, resilient communities,” McLennon continued.

Catharine Rhodes, Green party

Rhodes has been a volunteer with a number of humanitarian and poverty alleviation organizations, while also participating in research into the MUSH sector and other grassroots campaigns to make governments accountable for environmental concerns.

“I’m the best person to represent this riding because I understand the Canadian political system, I talk to everyone no matter what their background and I’m ready to make sure St. Catharines has a strong voice in Parliament,” Rhodes said.

THE ISSUES

“I’ve knocked on thousands of doors since deciding to run for office, and people had a lot of concerns about access to medical care, mental-health and addiction services. They were also worried about schools, libraries and other community services for families,” Rhodes said. Rebecca Hahn, People’s Party of Canada Hahn was once student administrative council president at Niagara College and is a small-business owner.

“Lover of people, freedom, truth and justice; a Canadian patriot. I will always fight for the people, and for the future of this county,” Hahn said.

THE ISSUES

“There was a time when St. Catharines was the booming economic hub of Niagara; now after the devastating, failed economic policies of the Liberal government, we find our unemployment rate is several points higher than the national rate. Factor in the devastating COVID policies and this area is really struggling,” Hahn continued.

THE RIDING’S BACKGROUND

Since 2015, the St. Catharines riding has been represented by Liberal Chris Bittle. It has historically flipped back and forth between Liberal and Conservative. Prior to Bittle being elected, the riding was represented by the Conservatives between 2006 and 2015 and prior to that by the Liberals between 1993 and 2006.