The Ontario Green Party has anounced its candidate for the Huron-Bruce riding in next month’s election.
Matthew Van Ankum is a second-generation farmer in Howick Township.
A release on the Ontario Green Party’s website from January 25th says he “takes pride in running his 100-acre farm independently and producing quality lamb and beef for people throughout Southwestern Ontario. He was the Ontario Greens’ candidate for Huron–Bruce in the 2022 provincial election.”
Van Ankum says in a statement, “We live in a primarily agriculture-centric community,” adding, “The last thing we need is a group of Conservative politicians in Toronto telling us what to do and ripping up prime farmland to make billionaire land speculators even richer.”
He says, “We need a representative who understands our concerns and the need for a balance between production, environmental sustainability, and economic drivers.”
Leader of the Ontario Greens Mike Schreiner says in a statement, “Farmers like Matthew are the heart of this community,” adding, “I know he’ll be a strong advocate for Huron-Bruce and farmers across the province at Queen’s Park.”
Van Ankum is involved with the local National Farmers’ Union 335, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority’s (SVCA) Agricultural Advisory Committee, and the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) boundary assessment committee.
Van Ankum also ran for the party in the 2022 Ontario general election.
The election is set for February 27th, 2025.
Also running so far in the snap election, is incumbent Lisa Thompson, the Progress Conservative candidate.