Hearing about the financial struggles of others and helping them overcome them sparked a passion for politics that now has Toyin Crandell hoping to become Simcoe North’s next MP.
Crandell, who lives in Victoria Harbour, is hoping to win the nomination to represent local Conservatives.
She has been running businesses since she was a teenager, and she now owns a financial coaching company.
“I started to notice just how much government policy affects everyday life,” said Crandell. “Seeing the burden on small-business owners, seeing the burden on families, I just got a fire within me.”
It’s not yet known when Simcoe North Conservatives will hold a nomination meeting, but if Crandell wins the nomination and, ultimately, the election, she said she would be “a voice for integrity in our government” — something she feels is lacking with the current one.
The prime minister has been “avoiding questions” regarding the WE controversy, among others, she said.
“There’s been very little consequence. Things like that motivate me to be a voice for integrity and strength of character,” Crandell said. “I know that (constituents) are wanting somebody who doesn’t just talk the talk. I’m that person who gets the job done.”
Crandell and her family moved to the area from Chatham. She is married and has two young children.
“They are the motivation for everything I do — to leave a better Canada for them when I’m gone,” she said.
Crandell has already been holding meet-and-greet events across the riding and said she is getting “a ton of new momentum, a ton of interest.”
Some people have said they want the next Conservative candidate to embody the principles of Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton, who is not seeking re-election.
“One thing they’ve said over and over is how much they appreciate his responsiveness and approachability,” she said, adding, if she were to become MP, she would continue with some of Stanton’s events, including passport clinics and seniors forums.
Crandell was attracted to the Conservative party because of its “focus on fiscal responsibility while being compassionate to people.”
“When I look at the level of debt that Canada has been accruing, even before COVID, I know that money doesn’t come from nowhere. It’s coming from taxpayers, one way or another,” she said. “I’m running for the everyday, hard-working Canadians. I’m running for families that are living paycheque to paycheque.”
Crandell invites those who want to contact her to email [email protected] or call 705-333-7948.
