Beaches-East York has been represented by Liberal Party MPP Arthur Potts since he won election in 2014. Two women are hoping to cut his career at Queen’s Park to four years with the provincial election in June.
At least one of the challengers is making an issue of problems at Michael Garron hospital — the same hospital that Potts has helped support with major funding.
Debra Scott is running for the second time for the Green Party in the riding. She has been an environmental activist for the past 10 years. Her campaign claims she has a strong commitment to research and development on sustainable innovation and is currently completing her Masters degree at the University of Toronto.
Scott has the Science, Research and Innovation portfolio in the Green Party shadow cabinet and recently was also a provincial executive member for the Toronto region.
Progressive Conservative candidate Sarah Mallo did not respond to request for comments. Her promotional literature shows her together with new PC leader Doug Ford.
Potts bills himself as a privileged member of Premier Kathleen Wynne’s team. His tipping legislation recently came into effect, protecting the incomes of Ontario servers and food service staff.
He also helped facilitate a $50-million donation to Toronto East General Hospital, now named for the donors’ late son, Michael Garron.
“Over the last four years as your representative at Queen’s Park I have been a proud champion for East York and have worked with our community to get results that will benefit people here,” he says. “Together we secured $411 million in funding for the redevelopment of Michael Garron Hospital, a true East York landmark, and I look forward to continuing our work to build a stronger community.”