BROCKVILLE, ON – Lorna Jean (LJ) Edmonds, the former Vice Provost for Global Affairs and International Studies and Professor, College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University, has been officially nominated as the Ontario Liberal candidate for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.
“Residents in Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes are feeling the pressure from overburdened services, particularly physicians, mental health and municipal services.
“LJ will be an MPP who listens, serves and gets the job done. With her experience living and working in rural communities across Eastern Ontario, the United States and internationally, I know that she has what it takes to deliver more for people in Rural Ontario.
“I’m excited to announce LJ is officially our Ontario Liberal candidate for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes!”
— Bonnie Crombie, Leader of Ontario’s Liberals
“I got involved because it pains me to see our communities struggling to get by. Doug Ford’s Conservatives are still stuck in the past, and are providing little in the way of addressing major issues. Far too many people are having to dip into their savings or go into debt to buy groceries, pay their heating bills and keep their home. The shortage of doctors and nurses is daunting — and where are the jobs we were promised?
“Let’s be frank, our communities are getting older. Our youth are having to move away to find jobs. We need to seize the opportunity of families wanting to move from our urban centres and create a vibrant and welcoming economy for them and for business. Our riding is ready for the economic opportunities of tomorrow. We just need leadership that is ready to seize it.
“I’m ready to deliver more for you, and your family.”
— Lorna Jean Edmonds, Ontario Liberal Candidate for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes
LJ grew up in Ottawa and at Pike Lake near Westport and now lives in Hartington, Ontario. She is deeply aware of the evolving landscape of rural Ontario and the imperative for major investments.
LJ believes that when our communities are stronger, we are stronger. She will help to grow our economy, restore our health care and education system, and build a rural Ontario that our kids and grandkids will be proud to inherit.
LJ holds a BA in science, Queen’s University, a Master in Health Administration, University of Ottawa, and a PhD in Development Studies, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom.