With less than three weeks before Ontario’s early provincial election on Feb. 27 — and with some voters already casting ballots — the Ontario Liberal Party has named Shafoli Kapur as the candidate for the Niagara Falls riding, which includes Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The abrupt nomination came on the heels of Doug Ford’s decision to call an early election, a move that left the Ontario Liberals with little time to finalize their candidate selection.
In an interview, Kapur said her platform centres on the most pressing issues that matter to Niagara residents: accessible health care, affordable housing and economic opportunities.
“Our healthcare system is struggling — people can’t get appointments, wait times are too long. Too many families are without a family doctor,” Kapur said.
The Niagara region is experiencing a shortage of roughly 100 family doctors compared to the population.
Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a $25,000 recruitment incentive to compete for family doctors with other municipalities.
Kapur praised the Ontario Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie’s plan to make health care accessible to all Ontario residents as it is “what makes Canada special.”
She also plans to tackle the high cost of living and the brain drain of young talent from the region to Toronto and other major cities.
“Why can’t we create opportunities here so that fresh graduates and young professionals have a reason to stay in Niagara?”
While recognizing she faces an uphill battle with the long-incumbent Wayne Gates, Kapur said that Niagara residents deserve the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective into the office.
“If the people of Niagara are not going to give somebody else a chance, they will never know what somebody else can bring to the table.”
Kapur is a staunch advocate for mental health awareness and women’s rights. Drawing on her volunteer work with women’s shelters and survivors of abuse, she is committed to breaking down stigmas and expanding access to necessary resources.
“I moved my entire life from a different country to a new country. If I can build myself up to this level, I definitely have the commitment, the courage, and the determination to make anything happen,” she said.
Kapur, born in India and arrived in Canada in 2009, is an experienced local business owner and community advocate.
“I built my life in Canada from the ground up.”
Kapur is the founder and director of TDOT Immigration Services Inc. Her company prioritizes inclusivity and empowerment for people of all backgrounds.
“I’m going to put in 200 per cent. That’s what I’ve always done. That’s the woman I am. I never give up. I give it all that I have in myself. That’s exactly what I’m going to do — and I leave the results on the people of Niagara and God.”
