As a candidate for Sudbury East–Manitoulin–Nickel Belt, I present a comprehensive plan rooted in the principles of balance and gradual change, aiming to address the unique challenges and opportunities within our riding.
1. Putting People First – Listening and Acting Together
My first responsibility is to listen. I will implement a sustainable and secure system that allows every community in our riding to share their concerns, needs, and dreams — so we can champion them at the federal level. This includes building a more accessible, responsive Member’s Office — one that’s open, approachable, and committed to taking every issue to heart. Whether online, by phone, or in person, you will have clear, simple ways to reach your representative — and confidence that your voice is being heard, respected, and acted upon. My job isn’t just to speak — it’s to be your voice, and to serve you.
2. Addressing First Nations Land Claims:
Our riding encompasses areas where First Nations have longstanding land claims. For instance, the Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island maintains unceded territory status, with ongoing negotiations regarding land jurisdiction. Additionally, the proposed Manitoulin Project Settlement Agreement seeks to compensate for past mismanagement of trust funds. It's imperative to expedite these negotiations, ensuring fair and timely resolutions that honour the rights and histories of Indigenous communities
3. Stimulating the Local Economy and Supporting Businesses:
Our region boasts diverse industries, including agriculture, forestry, mining, and skilled trades. However, local businesses often encounter bureaucratic hurdles when expanding markets across provincial borders. By eliminating internal trade barriers and reducing red tape, we can empower producers in sectors like lumber, mining, and agri-food to enhance competitiveness and access broader markets. Furthermore, investing in workforce development and innovation will position our local economy for sustainable growth.
4. Enhancing Infrastructure:
Robust infrastructure is vital for economic development and quality of life. Prioritizing the maintenance and modernization of transportation networks, utilities, and digital connectivity will facilitate commerce, attract investment, and improve daily living for residents. Collaborative efforts with municipal and provincial authorities will ensure that infrastructure projects align with community needs and environmental considerations.
5. Promoting Sustainable Resource Development:
The Ring of Fire region presents significant opportunities for mineral development, particularly in chromite, nickel, and other critical minerals. Advocating for responsible and timely development of these resources, while ensuring environmental protections and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, will contribute to economic prosperity and job creation within our riding.
6. Fostering Community Well-being:
Beyond economic initiatives, it's essential to invest in healthcare, education, and social services to enhance the well-being of all residents. Supporting local initiatives that promote health, education, and cultural preservation will strengthen the social fabric of our communities.
This plan reflects a commitment to balanced, gradual change that respects the diverse interests within Sudbury East–Manitoulin–Nickel Belt. By addressing these key areas, we can build a thriving, inclusive future for our region
Biography
Justin was Born in Sudbury, Ontario at St. Joseph’s Hospital, he grew up in Val Caron before moving with his family to North Bay, where he completed high school and his first year of university. Raised in a close-knit, compassionate family, Justin spent his early adult life discerning a vocation as a Roman Catholic priest, guided by deep faith and with the encouragement of his bishop. With humility, and at the bishop’s advice, he stepped into “regular” life to better understand the world he felt called to serve.
That journey led him to Humber College, where he studied to become a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer (Funeral Director Class 1). His professional path took him to Bernardo Funeral Homes in Etobicoke’s Rexdale neighbourhood, where he found his passion: walking with people through the most vulnerable and darkest moments of their lives — with compassion, dignity, truth and a nature that reminded people they can laugh even in such troubling times.
Justin brought that same care and integrity to his work in Midland, where he helped manage local funeral homes and led a team devoted to meeting every family where they were — regardless of background or belief. “We threw out cookie-cutter services and respectfully found ways to always celebrate the individual while honouring faith and tradition ” he says. “We met people in their darkest hours with light, truth, and the kind of presence that changes lives.” He mentioned that this was so the team would remembers, but so that family would carry their grief alone.
It was also in Midland that Justin became a Knight of Columbus, rising to 3rd Degree and serving as Treasurer. He and his brother Knights worked to strengthen their community through charity — fundraising for the Huronia Pregnancy Resource Centre, supporting families, and investing time and resources in local needs for which there were many. It was also at this time that Justin became a founding member of the North Simcoe Compassionate Care Community, a group focused on connecting families, health care professionals, hospices and death care professionals to promote dying with dignity and looking to bridge unknown gaps between all respective professions."
Later, Justin brought his leadership and heart for service to Kirkland Lake, Englehart and New Liskeard, managing funeral homes across Northern Ontario with the same mission: compassionate, individualised care rooted in dignity.
A back injury eventually led Justin to step away from the day-to-day operations of funeral service. But his dedication to solving problems and helping others didn’t stop there — he retrained and transitioned into the world of Information Technology, becoming a Senior Systems Engineer. Today, he designs and supports complex systems across Ontario while still maintaining a supportive hand in funeral services in the Greater Sudbury area.
Justin was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a challenge he meets with resolve, faith, and firsthand insight into the failings of Canada’s healthcare system. He knows better than most the reality Canadians face — long wait times, lack of access, and a system stretched beyond its limits.
“Living with MS,” Justin says, “I understand how broken our system really is — and I believe we deserve better. We need a healthcare model that puts people first, not bureaucracy.”
On June 22, 2024, Justin married the love of his life, Vanessa, and together with their furbaby Theo, they’ve built a life anchored in faith, love, and a passion for a freer Canada.
As a proud Libertarian candidate, Justin is committed to restoring:
“I’m running because I want my future children to grow up in a Canada where freedom isn’t something you whisper about — it’s something you live. It shouldn’t be nearly illegal to be proud of our country.”
In his own words:
“I humbly pray that the Lord God will keep our land glorious and free, and that every person will carry a spark of hope in these dark times. You, O Lord, are the light of the world — let us be like the candles on Your altar: bright and near to You.”
Reason for running
Every day, I watch people struggle — to pay bills, keep a roof overhead, and care for their families — while billions of our tax dollars are sent overseas. I see a nation where people are ashamed and confused about what Canada has become.
I saw peaceful protesters labelled as terrorists, their bank accounts frozen, while others burned our flag in the streets without consequence. I’ve watched our country fall apart — not from one decision, but from years of bad ones, made without Ordo Amoris — the Order of Love. We’ve stopped putting our people first.
I could no longer sit back and watch a government turn on its own citizens — squeezing every last cent from working Canadians to fund causes abroad while our hospitals are in crisis, and our seniors, veterans, and First Nations communities are left behind.
I’m tired of seeing my wife — a hardworking nurse — pulled in every direction, trying to do the impossible in a broken system. I’m tired of watching people die in hospital hallways.
I’m not running for power or prestige. I’m running with the hope that maybe, just maybe, one voice can spark a change — a Canada where all people are equal, where First Nations treaties are honoured, not just acknowledged, where working people can save for retirement and afford a home.
It’s time to bring dignity, freedom, and common sense back to government.
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