Leading up to the federal election, our news department has offered the candidates for Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk a chance to be heard on our newscasts.
We sent them a questionnaire, offering to put the responses on our websites and let them talk about a couple them on-air.
First up is New Democrat Nicole Fortier Levesque. She says U.S. tariffs are a direct attack on Canada’s economy and workers, and provinces, territories and federal parties must be united to protect jobs and industries.
“As your MP, I will push the federal government to act quickly and strongly to defend our workers and communities,” she pledges. “That means trade policies that benefit everyday people, not just corporations.”
Fortier Levesque adds that she won’t back down when our region’s livelihood is at stake.
HOUSING IS TOP ISSUE IN RIDING
“From affordability to availability,” says Fortier Levesque. “Seniors can’t find safe places to retire. Young families can’t afford to buy or rent. People in remote communities are living in overcrowded or unsafe conditions.”
The candidate adds that we need federal involvement in community-based solutions, not short-term band-aids.
Below are her completed questionnaire and audio of her responses.
Tell us about yourself
I bring over 30 years of experience serving my community, including as mayor of Moonbeam. I’ve worked with all levels of government and understand the challenges we face in the North. I’m determined, action-focused, and committed to fighting for our region. Northern Ontario is my home, and I’ll never stop working for its people.
What are you hearing when door-knocking?
At the doors, people are talking about real fears: the economic threats coming from Donald Trump, housing shortages, healthcare delays, unsafe roads, and rising costs. They’re worried about their pensions and access to clean drinking water in First Nations communities. There’s growing frustration around affordability and the lack of jobs that keep people in the region. Residents are tired of empty promises — they want action, they want hope, and they want someone who understands the North and will fight for it.
What is your position on tariffs and the trade war?
Donald Trump’s threats are a direct attack on our economy and workers. We need to stand together — united across provinces, territories, and party lines — to protect Canadian jobs and industries. As your MP, I will push the federal government to act quickly and strongly to defend our workers and communities. That means trade policies that benefit everyday people, not just corporations. Canada is strongest when we work as one, and I believe we can meet any challenge if we face it together. I will not back down when our region’s livelihood is at stake.
What are potential solutions to housing affordability and homelessness?
The housing crisis demands bold action. We need to build more affordable homes — including in rural and remote communities. That means investing in non-profit and co-op housing, prioritizing housing for seniors, Indigenous communities, and young families. We must also:
- Implement national rent control;
- Ban renovictions, demovictions, and fixed-term lease abuse;
- Ban corporate rent collusion and price-fixing tools; and
- Support tenant unions to negotiate with landlords.
Housing is a human right — not a market commodity — and everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
What would you do about cost-of-living pressures in your riding?
Cost of living is out of control, especially in Northern and remote communities. The price of food is outrageous. We’re committed to overhauling the Nutrition North program so it actually serves northern families. The NDP is the only party promising price caps on grocery giants and investigating monopolies like Northern Store. We’ll remove GST from essential items to put over $1,400 a year back in your pocket. We’re also fighting for better services in the North — including schools, housing, healthcare, and all-season roads — so people don’t have to leave to get the basics. Our economy should work for everyone — not just those at the top.
What do you think is the most important issue for the area and why?
Housing is the number one issue in our riding — from affordability to availability. Seniors can’t find safe places to retire. Young families can’t afford to buy or rent. People in remote communities are living in overcrowded or unsafe conditions. We need federal investment in real, community-based solutions — not short-term band-aids. We must build housing that fits the needs of our region, with support for Indigenous-led housing, co-op models, and affordable units in every part of the riding. Without stable housing, nothing else works — we can’t improve health, education, or economic outcomes without first giving people a place to live.
Why should someone vote for you?
Northern Ontario needs a strong voice in Ottawa — and I am that voice. I have the experience, the passion, and the drive to deliver. As mayor, I fought for my community and worked across governments to get results. I’m not in this for show — I’m here to work. I’m persistent and won’t stop until our region’s needs are met. I know the North. I live here. I’ve served here. And I’ll never stop pushing for what matters — housing, healthcare, jobs, and fairness. We deserve someone who doesn’t give up and doesn’t forget where they come from. That’s who I am, and that’s who I’ll be as your MP.
Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to speak with me during this campaign. Your stories, concerns, and hopes are what fuel my determination to serve. Whether it’s addressing food insecurity, protecting our environment, improving healthcare access, or advancing reconciliation — I’m ready to fight for you. I believe in a future where everyone can live with dignity and security, no matter where they live. I won’t make empty promises — I’ll bring results.
