CHCH News reviews MP candidates aiming for Hamilton Mountain riding

A few lengthy political resumes will be on the Hamilton Mountain ballot come election night April 28.

CHCH News reviews some of the top candidates, one being the Liberal incumbent going up against other notable names from the New Democrats and the Conservative party.

Liberal MP candidate Lisa Hepfner

Lisa Hepfner won the district back in 2021 after 15 years under the New Democrats.

This time around as the Liberal candidate, she says there’s even more optimism around her party.

“The NDP have absolutely no power after this federal election,” said Hepfner. “They won’t have much of a say in the house, their leader doesn’t look like he’s campaigning to become prime minister, they’re just trying to save the furniture. A vote for the NDP is a vote for the Conservatives.”

The former long-time journalist – including time at CHCH News – made the switch to politics prior to the previous federal election, claiming the riding by just over 800 votes.

“I’ve only been elected for a little over three years, and in that time I was already promoted within less than 40 Canadians to be assigned parliamentary work, so that is a sign that this party believes in me,” said Hepfner.

NDP MP candidate Monique Taylor

Meanwhile, the NDP seek to reclaim its traditional stronghold with a former member of provincial parliament.

“I have a lot of experience,” said NDP candidate Monique Taylor. “First of all, I have spent my entire 14 years as provincial member in the community. I live here – I’m actually the only one out of the Conservatives and Liberals who live in this community.”

The NDP candidate has handily won the area’s Ontario seat four straight times.

Fresh out of Queen’s Park, Taylor says she aims to bring her track record as a critic to the House of Commons, advocating for families and support systems.

“I would like to see the children’s profile have a big focus again, making sure we have national standards across the country for our kids,” said Taylor. “We have a callous government here in Ontario, where there’s 73,000 kids with autism waiting for social services – that’s not okay.”

Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada MP candidate Rolf Gerstenberger and People’s Party of Canada MP candidate Bing Wong

Two other candidates, Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada candidate Rolf Gerstenberger, and People’s Party of Canada candidate Bing Wong are also running on Hamilton Mountain.

One party that will not be present here on election night is the Green Party of Canada.

Conservative MP candidate Ken Hewitt

Representing the Conservative party is another person with a seasoned political resume.

“It’s full circle, I’ve come back to where my roots are,” said Conservative candidate Ken Hewitt. “This is where my business is, and where my clients exist, so I feel my connection to Hamilton Mountain and to the city.”

Three-time Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt is credited for once getting Haldimand into a better economic position.

The financial planner says he can see himself playing a similar role on the hill.

“With my business background, and economics background – certainly says I’d like to see us balance the books, secure our treasured assets and ensure what we’re spending on,” said Hewitt. “We’re spending on getting the best value for it.”

WATCH MORE: Hamilton Centre riding could see a tight race come election night