KANATA, Ontario – Karen McCrimmon, a 31-year military veteran and two-term federal Member of Parliament is the Ontario Liberal Party candidate for the Kanata–Carleton provincial by-election, announced today. The election will be held on July 27th.
Karen is a proven leader and advocate for Kanata–Carleton, where she has lived for over a decade. She is a decorated Armed Forces veteran serving as the first female navigator and the first woman to command a Canadian Forces air force flying squadron. Committed to community service, Karen is once again rolling up her sleeves to ensure that Kanata–Carleton remains a healthy, vibrant and strong community where all can build a life and a future.
In 2015, she was elected as the riding’s Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party of Canada and was re-elected in 2019. In 2021, she chose not to run to dedicate her time to some minor health challenges and caregiving for family members facing serious medical illnesses. Those priorities are now resolved, her health is strong, and she is ready to once again serve the residents of Kanata-Carleton.
Karen’s record as an MP includes facilitating over $497 million in investment for local tech companies, being a fierce advocate for reliable, dependable transportation in the riding, and she was instrumental in advocating for federal support for the people of West Carleton when floods and a tornado hit. She could often be seen working shoulder-to-shoulder with members of the community. Her support for Kanata-Carleton during COVID-19 helped many residents and their families continue to put food on their table, and many local businesses to survive.
Karen believes the voices of Kanata–Carleton residents have been silent for too long at Queen’s Park under this conservative government. A vote for the Conservative candidate is a vote for Doug Ford, who has all but abandoned Ottawa, including Kanata–Carleton. Karen knows the economic and technological value Kanata-Carleton brings to Ontario and Canada, and what it takes to unlock that value. She is passionate about championing a real plan to make life more affordable, fighting the Conservative efforts to privatize health care and elder care, protecting our precious green spaces and farmland and protecting and strengthening our world-class public education system. As a trained mediator, Karen knows how to work with others to develop effective solutions and get things done.
Karen is excited about once again serving her community. She is the only proven choice for this by-election and will ensure that residents and businesses receive the strong voice and representation that they deserve.
“Kanata–Carleton deserves an MPP who really cares and will serve residents with energy and integrity,” said McCrimmon.