Meet The Candidates - Cecilia Melanson - Liberal Party Of Canada
By Robert Thomas
Cecelia Melanson is the Liberal Party of Canada's candidate in the Moose Jaw - Lake Centre - Lanigan riding.
Cecelia was born and raised in Ecuador where her early life was one of poverty. Despite the hardships of her early life Melanson said through hard work and perseverance she was able to break free from poverty by studying hard and making the best use of her time to better herself.
Despite her poor beginnings in life, which might be described as an anchor on her later life, Melanson said her life experiences growing up are actually strengths she draws from.
Cecelia Melanson with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - submitted photo
“Experiencing poverty when growing up helped me to learn new skills. I am not frightened of tough times or taking risks,” Melanson wrote responding to MJ Independent.
Poverty had lessons for Melanson and pushed her to succeed.
“Being poor taught me to work hard to not be destitute again. Instead, I concentrated my younger years improving chess strategy skills to compete at the national level. Proving myself at an early age that I can achieve success in life.”
Life experiences and overcoming many obstacles not only in Ecuador but immigrating to a new home in Canada Melanson sees as strengths.
Where many people might see insurmountable challenges she said anyone can overcome through hard work and applying themselves.
“I came to Canada in 2004 looking for a peaceful home, where I could have a better life. It was a challenge at the beginning, but anything is possible with hard work and dedication. My desire to be a better person, by learning and facing new challenges has given me a greater range of self, allowing me to empathize more easily and adapt to situations more effectively. I take my life experience and encourage others to give their very best, to grow, to become more, to develop and be transformed by the journey towards a vision.”
Career-wise Melanson wears many hats - Graphic Designer, Notary Public, Daycare Operator and studying Early Childhood Education at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Melanson said creating a new and stable life in a new home is her biggest accomplishment.
“Along with my stable personal life, I feel a sense of accomplishment in my career goals. I want to pay it forward in Canada, and to Canada, fighting to make sure the next generation of Canadians, regardless of their background, religion, race and gender, can reach for their dreams and pass it forward like I did.”
Cecelia Melanson out door knocking - submitted photo
Initially Melanson said she was not politically active but spent her time working hard to succeed in Canada but what was happening in Ottawa got her attention.
“I haven’t been politically active in Canada, concentrating my time instead, on just trying to make a living as best I could. But then, Stephen Harper’s decision to shut down parliament not once, but twice in the span of 13 months. He got my attention then, and I became increasingly concerned about the direction he was taking this country of ours,” Melanson said.
Asked about running as a Liberal in Saskatchewan and the seemingly lower odds of winning due to a sense of anger towards Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government Cecilia said she is proud to carry the Liberal banner in the riding.
“It is a true honour for me to support Justin Trudeau. He is a leader who combines intelligence and a generosity of spirit. Justin Trudeau speaking to people across the country has showed that he is the Prime Minister of all Canadians and that he cares about the issues in all provinces. The Liberals have spent the last 4 years building towards better Canada and have the record to show it.”
Despite the criticisms she said the present government has done a good job running the country.
“Our Liberal plan will continue to deliver the economic growth and jobs Canadians need, and leave to our children and grandchildren a country even more beautiful, more sustainable, and more prosperous than the one we have now.”
When it comes to agriculture she said she supports the present programs and that she is committed to seeing producers succeed.
“Hard working farmers and their families grow the food that keeps people healthy and keeps our economy strong and growing. We will expand support for farmers facing major environmental and business risks. As we know, free trade can help nations develop the best economic policies for their citizens. We will take bold steps to make free trade within Canada a reality,” Melanson responded when asked about what she would do to help rural areas of the riding.
Cecelia Melanson stops in to visit Mac The Moose - submitted photo
On the issue of Crystal Methamphetamine and how it is affecting so many users and non-users Melanson said it needs to be part of a larger strategy towards addiction.
“Thousands of people in Canada die from overdoses related to drug use. Last year, more than 4,400 of those deaths were from opioid use alone, and methamphetamine addiction is on the rise. The opioid crisis is the greatest public health emergency since the AIDS epidemic, and is leading to a decrease in Canadians’ life expectancies for the first time in modern history,” she stated, adding “To help more people access the addiction treatment services they need, we will move forward with new investments that help provinces and territories expand community-based services, build more in-patient rehab beds, and scale up the most effective programs – such as extending hours for InSite and other safe consumption sites.”
One of the biggest issues Melanson sees as important in the riding is helping out middle class Canadians and by doing so strengthening the local economy.
“A strong economy starts with a strong middle class. When middle class Canadians have more money in their pockets to save, invest, and grow the economy, we all benefit.”
Melanson said if elected she would work hard to ensure issues affecting the riding were heard in Ottawa.
“I am committed to championing policies that continue to make life easier for families across our riding, by ensuring that our government policies and programs can be implemented, supporting both the development of high quality, sustainable jobs and protecting and building a stronger Canada.”
In order to achieve this she stated she planned to be active and listen to resident's concerns.
“I plan to be very active and keep attentive and feet on the ground. Representing our riding means staying connected with real-life concerns of residents and finding continuous solutions to make life better for all… my responsibility will be to ensure that your issues and concerns are well represented in our government and that solutions are implemented that respect the diversity of our lives.”
Additionally MJ Independent readers had questions we asked all of the candidates on their behalf.
A. Climate Change
Climate change is already having serious effect on people, communities and our economy, including loss of crops, changes in water supply, increased incidence of natural disasters, and spikes in health care costs related infectious diseases and temperatures related illness.
- Our plan makes polluters pay, and give the money back to Canadians.
- We are also phasing out coal, protecting our oceans, and making major investments in clean technology and public transportation.
- By investing in funded projects will raise awareness of climate change and encourage others to take action in support of Canada’s climate goals.
- Ensuring that companies that manufacture plastic products or sell items with plastic packaging are responsible for managing the collection and recycling of their plastic waste.
B. Federally Funded Daycare
Parents work hard to support their families and give their kids a good start in life, but as working parents know, the need for good, affordable childcare doesn’t stop when a child goes to school. For many families, before and after school care can be difficult to find and expensive to use. This is especially true for parents who work irregular hours due to things like overtime, late shifts, or multiple jobs.
Liberals pledge $535 million/year on childcare on top of what the federal government is already sending to provinces for child care.
- Liberal government would create up to 250,000 more spaces for before- and after-school child-care programs
- Liberals also would boost the Canada Child Benefit for children under one year of age by 15 per cent, or up to about $1,000, starting next July.
- Trudeau has promised to create an additional 250,000 before- and after-school spaces for children from kindergarten to age 10. Ten per cent of the new spaces would be designated for parents who work overtime, late shifts or multiple jobs.
C. Pipelines
We announced our government has approved the Trans Mountain Expansion, and that every dollar made by the federal government from this project will be invested in clean energy. It’s a Canada’s national interest to protect our environment and invest in tomorrow, while making sure people can feed their families today. By moving forward with the TMX, and investing the profit in our clean energy future, we’re doing exactly that.
D. Big Tech Censorship
I would be committed to a review of existing laws to determine how best to address concerns regarding social media and its content.
E. Carbon Tax
Pollution is not longer free in Canada. A price on carbon is a known effective tool to facilitate the transition away from burning fossil fuels. Our plan makes polluters pay, and gives money back.
- The policy allows for phase-in for larger emitters.
- The carbon tax revenue is rebated to tax payers in those provinces with a federal carbon tax.
Cecilia Melanson will be taking part in the All Candidates Forum on October 15th at the Cosmo Centre (7:00 pm).