MPP Monique Taylor announces plans to shift from provincial to federal government

After 13 years as a member of Ontario’s provincial parliament, Hamilton-Mountain NDP MPP Monique Taylor says it’s time for a switch.

Taylor made the announcement on Monday morning, saying she plans to leave her post and run for the federal Hamilton-Mountain riding.

Taylor has been the MPP representing Hamilton-Mountain since October 2011.

As the provincial party’s critic for children and social services, she says she’ll be fighting in Ottawa for seniors and for children — especially kids with autism.

“I can wholeheartedly say things have gotten worse for children and families. Too many have been left without resources and tools to support growth and help them thrive,” she says. “Their concerns are my concerns and I will take them to Ottawa.”

Hamilton-Mountain has gone back and forth between the Liberals and NDP federally for more than 40 years. It is currently held by Liberal MP Lisa Hepfner.

Hepfner, speaking to CHCH News from the Liberal retreat currently being held in B.C., says the contest in the next election was “never going to be an easy race for anyone.” However, she welcomes Taylor, adding that she’s “happy to see more women in politics.”

Scott Duvall, a former MP for the Hamilton-Mountain riding, expects it to be a fight between the NDP and Conservative party.

“It’s going to be very very interesting, this election. I think the NDP will come back to Hamilton-Mountain, no problem. To get our proper representation for a person that actually lives here, in the community,” he says.