2021-05-05

Long-time former municipal councillor to run for MLA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Exactly when the next provincial election will be held remains guesswork, but whenever it is Susan MacLeod intends to be ready.

MacLeod was recently acclaimed as the Liberal candidate to become MLA for Queens, a riding that hasn't been held by a member of the Liberal party since 1955.

The Queens-Shelburne seat is currently held by the PC Party's Kim Masland, who defeated Liberal Vernon Oickle and NDP representative John Davis in the 2017 provincial election.

For the upcoming election, the boundaries will be changed back to what they were prior to 2013. Queens and Shelburne will each have their own riding.

"It's going to be tough, but I'm up for the challenge. I think it is time for a change," said MacLeod. "The Liberal government has been doing great things. Our premier is young, environmentally conscious and he has a good background as an MLA."

MacLeod said her first priority is good quality housing for seniors and lower-income residents. She also lists roads, health care, childcare, education, youth engagement, municipal partnerships and support for local businesses as other focus points if elected.

MacLeod grew up and lives in the Liverpool area. She's been a long-standing Liberal supporter and has worked on several Liberal campaigns in the past.

Formerly a municipal councillor in the Region of Queens Municipality for 16 years, she lost out in a mayoral race in 2020.

According to MacLeod, the biggest asset that she brings to an election table is her community mindedness.

"I am a community-minded person and have been out everywhere and I will continue to do so. It's in my blood," she said. "I am also a good listener, and I feel that I have the ability to get in there and make a difference."

She has worked with numerous community groups for sometime, including the Queens Care Society, the Astor Theatre Society and the new Queens dog park. She's also a long-time volunteer at the local QCCR radio station.

MacLeod maintains that having a Liberal representative in Queens under a Liberal government would be a big benefit for the region.

"I feel that I can do things better as a Liberal representative working with a Liberal government in power. I think it would be so much more of an advantage to Queens if we had an MLA that was on the side of government," she said, adding that she believes the Liberals will once again be elected.

"If elected I will make sure that we won't give up on anything that will benefit our residents. I will be like a dog with a bone," said MacLeod.

She said her team of "really keen people" is in election preparation mode and is going to work hard to pull out a victory.