Meet the OPSEU/SEFPO members and staff running in the federal election

April 9, 2025 - 2:47 pm
Federal, Solidarity

InSolidarity

Table of Contents

By Wendy Lee, Local 575, InSolidarity

Federal Elections are upon Canadians again. We need to become familiar with who is going to be spear heading our best interests as OPSEU/SEFPO members. There are several OPSEU/SEFPO members and OPSEU/SEFPO staff running and desire to represent our interests, so InSol is going to “promote from within”.

All potential OPSEU/SEFPO members and staff running as Federal Candidates have been invited to participate in a written format of a “meet and greet” session for InSol. As their schedule permits, they will participate. Therefore, the candidates will be highlighted in the order they have come forward.

If we’re missing anybody, please send us an email at [email protected]

Benjamin Abis

NDP candidate for Etobicoke North

Benjamin Abis has called Etobicoke North home for 20 years. A retired public servant, he worked at the Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC), first in services staff before becoming a Correctional Officer. At TSDC, he was a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively speaking out against racism and supporting rehabilitation programs for inmates. As an OPSEU officer, he fought for better wages, benefits, and safer working conditions for his colleagues.

Benjamin’s commitment to community safety and service earned him recognition from the Toronto Police Service and the Toronto Fire Services for his selfless contributions. Before immigrating to Canada, he practiced law in the Philippines and provided free legal aid to those in need. In Ontario, he became a paralegal practitioner and instructor, helping others navigate the legal system.

Deeply involved in his community, Benjamin has been an active member of his local church, volunteering in youth programs and student activities. As a parent, he served on school councils, working to strengthen ties between families and schools. He understands the challenges facing working-class families and the importance of strong public service.

Now, as the NDP candidate in Etobicoke North, Benjamin is fighting for real and meaningful solutions for Canada and especially for Etobicoke North — lowering the cost of living, protecting public healthcare, stronger schools, and safer communities.

Etobicoke North, Benjamin Abis is ready to stand up for you.

Kevin Goswell

NDP candidate for Whitby

Kevin Goswell is a dedicated husband, father of three wonderful daughters, and has called Whitby home for the last 16 years. He’s lived in the Durham Region for nearly 31 years.

Kevin’s career as a Correctional Officer in Ontario spans almost 11 years, during which he has had the privilege of serving in various roles, including as a Sergeant. He’s also contributed as a member of the OPSEU Local 5112 union executive, advocating for the rights, wages, and working conditions of his colleagues.

Before joining the corrections field, Kevin worked as a Forklift Operator at the Loblaws distribution center for three years, and earlier still, he managed a Blockbuster Video store in Whitby. Since then, Kevin formed a deep appreciation for community connection and service.

A defining moment in Kevin’s life occurred when he was 8 years old; he tragically lost his younger sister in an accident during a family vacation. During this incredibly difficult time, Kevin’s family found comfort and support through Bereaved Families of Ontario — a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals cope with grief. Through shared experiences, they learned to heal.

Since then, Kevin and his family have actively volunteered with Bereaved Families of Ontario Durham Region, contributing to various initiatives. Kevin has had the honour of speaking at support nights, sharing his own story, facilitating children’s grief groups, and volunteering at fundraising events, all while supporting others through their own journeys of loss.

His community helped Kevin get through a devastating time. He wants to help give back. Kevin is running as NDP candidate for Whitby because he loves his community and the people who make it home. He wants to stand up for the working- and middle-class in the face of growing wealth inequality and corporate greed. Kevin would be honoured to be a fighter in Ottawa for the people of Whitby.

Andrew Harrigan

NDP candidate for Barrie South—Innisfil

Andrew Harrigan is your NDP candidate for Barrie South-Innisfil.

Andrew is a frontline child protection worker, dedicated to creating safer, more equitable communities in Barrie and beyond.

A fierce labour advocate, he believes in public service as a commitment to upholding societal values and supporting communities.

Andrew is a passionate advocate for workers’ rights and has consistently championed the voices of those he represents through his work with OPSEU/SEFPO Local 304.

Whether in the workplace or his local community, Andrew is steadfast in his mission to inspire positive, lasting change.

Andrew is deeply committed to dismantling structural systems of oppression, advancing Indigenous rights, and fostering sustainable economic solutions in the face of Trump’s trade war.

As your MP, he will advocate for better conditions for youth and families, workers’ rights, workplace democracy, and social equity.

Alex Ilijoski

NDP candidate for Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore

Join Alex for an OPSEU/SEFPO Canvas on Tuesday, Apr 22 — meet up at 5:30 pm at 1665 Ottawa Street!

Alex Ilijoski is an Ambulance Communications Officer and a strong voice for workers’ rights.

Alex and his family moved to Canada in 2003 and settled in Toronto when Alex was 10 years old. In 2005, Alex and his family moved to Tecumseh due to the unaffordable housing market in Toronto. His family fell in love with the area, its small-town charm, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a close-knit community.

Alex currently works as an Ambulance Communications Officer at the Windsor Ambulance Communications Centre, triaging emergencies and deescalating calls. Since joining the OPSEU, Alex has thrust himself into the union and labour movement in the city. Alex is a union steward for OPSEU Local 154 and the local secretary and was elected as the Windsor Labour & District Council delegate and the OPSEU Area 1 Council delegate.

Alex has also been an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor-Essex since May of 2021. In this role, Alex is responsible for being a mentor and role model to a young child to improve their confidence, well-being, and to help them reach their full potential.

Alex has contributed to building up his community by serving on the Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach, first as a member and then as a board director as of January 2024. Alex has helped the club by organizing community events like the Taste of Tecumseh, Corn Festival, Fishing Derby, and other events. Alex is also serving on the board for the Essex County Youth Diversion, an organization for providing effective prevention and intervention services to children and youth in Windsor-Essex. Alex has been the board secretary since June 2024.

Alex is an activist in the political realm in Windsor-Essex. Alex was selected for the 2024 Windsor-Essex Federal Youth Council where he lobbies the federal government representative for Windsor-Essex to seek legislation that would positively influence the quality of opportunities and lives of the youth in Canada.

Alex was also selected for the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Event Committee to plan and facilitate events for local business owners in the area. These events include the Business Excellence Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Awards and other events for business owners in the community.

Alex sees the effects of the affordability crisis unfold every day. He knows that Canadians need a government that uses real solutions – not just slogans and talking points – to make life more affordable for the working class. Alex is ready to put up a fight to make homes affordable, to make health care more accessible, and to stand up for workers here in Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore and across the country.

Christy Kheirallah

NDP candidate for Willowdale

Christy is a dedicated community advocate, organizer, and proud resident of Willowdale. Having immigrated to Canada as a teenager, she pursued Political Science and Equity Studies at the University of Toronto, gaining a deep understanding of the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities.

With a passion for social justice, Christy has worked tirelessly to bring much-needed mental health resources to immigrant communities affected by war and political unrest. She has collaborated with local artists to fundraise for those in crisis and partnered with grassroots organizations to provide educational content, resources, and safe spaces for vulnerable Global South communities adapting to life in North America—especially during the hardships of COVID-19.

Christy became involved with the NDP because she believes that more diverse voices, especially those of young people, need to be in positions of power. Like many in her generation, she worries about housing affordability, the rising cost of living, and the unfair expectation that young people must juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet. She is committed to fighting for a future where people in Willowdale—and across Canada—can afford to rent, buy a home, and live with dignity on a fair wage.

With a strong commitment to economic justice, equity, and community well-being, Christy is ready to bring real change to Willowdale as your next Member of Parliament.

Kingsley Kwok

NDP candidate for Scarborough–Guildwood–Rouge Park

Kingsley Kwok is a healthcare professional, a labour activist, and an advocate for better public transportation. He is standing with Jagmeet Singh and the NDP team to build a fair pandemic recovery that benefits working Canadians – and a more equal, hopeful future that we can all look forward to.

Trained as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, Kingsley works in the critical care and emergency departments at Scarborough General Hospital. He knows firsthand that there are gaps in our current health care system and is a passionate champion for reducing the cost of prescription drugs and dental care and providing better mental health supports.

Kingsley is an active advocate for the rights of working people. He served as president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 575 from 2014 to 2022, representing over a thousand health professionals. Kingsley held this leadership role during unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. He collaborated with other unions and in the wider community to start the Scarborough Health Coalition, which works to resist funding cuts and save local health care services.

Outside his official union role, Kingsley has advocated for workers’ rights as a campaign mobilizer for $15 & Fairness – a group that fights for instituting a $15 minimum wage, closing the gender-based pay gap, and other long-overdue protections for working people. He is also a board member of TTCriders advocating for better-funded public transportation. Kingsley is currently Co-Chair of the Chinese Workers Network where he assists newcomers from Hong Kong navigate the Canadian labour market.

As your Scarborough–Rouge Park MP, Kingsley will work hard for action on the issues that matter to people here: building more affordable housing, bringing in universal pharmacare, getting the profit out of long-term care, and building a robust, sustainable economy that addresses the climate emergency while creating well-paid green jobs.

Sara Labelle

NDP candidate for Oshawa

Sara Labelle is a health care worker, community organizer, and labour advocate. She has lived in Oshawa for over 20 years.

Sara is a Medical Laboratory Technologist with Lakeridge Health. She also represents the health care workers of Durham Region in her leadership role within the Hospital Professionals Division of OPSEU. As a board member of the Ontario Health Coalition, Sara fought for better access to health care, higher standards in long-term care, and increased funding for autism support services. She is a long-time champion for local jobs, and proudly stood alongside General Motors workers the last time GM tried to leave Oshawa.

Sara and the NDP are putting Canada’s workers and families first.

Taylor McIntosh

NDP candidate for Middlesex—London

Taylor McIntosh (she/her/elle) is a dedicated labour activist, child and youth worker, and young mother committed to building a fairer future for working families. She is running to represent Middlesex-London because she knows firsthand the struggles of working people—especially young workers, parents, and those in precarious employment.

Taylor has called Middlesex-London home since 2019, but her connection to the region runs deeper. Her grandparents lived in the riding, and she returned as a young adult to build a family in the close-knit community she loves.

For over a decade, Taylor has worked with vulnerable populations across multiple sectors, including child welfare, disability services, and child treatment. She has been a Child and Youth Worker at the Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex for seven years, previously working at Vanier Children’s Services and Community Living London. These experiences have fueled her fight for stronger public services, better working conditions, and policies that support families.

Taylor didn’t get involved to be in the spotlight — she got involved to make change.

From her first election as Student Council President representing over 1,200 students to her current role as Young Worker Vice-President at the Canadian Labour Congress, Taylor has always stepped up when it mattered most — not for recognition, but because people needed someone to fight for them.

Over the years, she’s taken on tough fights and delivered real results: helping workers win fairer wages, stronger job protections, and access to union representation. She’s led negotiations, organized province-wide actions, and coordinated support during strikes and lockouts — always with the goal of making life better for everyday people.

Taylor knows what it’s like to balance work, family, and community. As a proud young mother, she sees how families in Middlesex–London are being squeezed — by rising costs, underfunded services, and a lack of real action on the issues that matter. That’s why she’s running: to push for real investments in rural infrastructure, affordable child care, and bold climate solutions.

Taylor isn’t doing this for herself. She’s doing it for all of us — to build a fairer future, one where no one gets left behind.

Yuk-Sem Won

NDP Candidate for Thunder Bay-Rainy River

Sisters and Brothers, my name is Yuk-Sem Won, and I am the NDP Candidate for Thunder Bay-Rainy River. I am a proud union member of OPSSU and ASU, the staff unions at OPSEU/SEFPO. As part of the OPSEU/SEFPO staff, I serve as the Regional Grievance Officer for Region 7 and the Convention Coordinator for the 2024 and 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Conventions.

I was honoured to be nominated for my candidacy in 2019 and 2021 by the Thunder Bay & District Labour Council. My journey as a labour activist began in OPSEU/SEFPO Local 677 at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, where I served as Local President for six years. During this time, I led our staff bargaining unit through a 100-day strike, securing our first collective agreement. This experience strengthened my commitment to workers’ rights and advocacy, eventually leading me to my current role as a Grievance Officer. In addition to my union work, I also teach at Confederation College, specializing in Negotiations, Project Management, and Human Resources.

A Voice for Northern Ontario

As an NDP candidate, I have had the opportunity to connect with communities and organizations across the region, listening to the concerns of thousands of people. Northern Ontario is built on resilience, solidarity, and community support, and people deserve a government that reflects those values.

What we need:

An affordable life for all, including universal dental care, pharmacare, and mental health services.
A strong economy that protects jobs, communities, culture, and our environment.
A government that prioritizes workers and families, not just corporate profits.

This election is about protecting our future. People are worried—about the economy, job security, climate change, and access to basic services. The next government must take a balanced approach, and the NDP has always been there to fight for the people most impacted by government decisions.

Climate Change & Environmental Protection

There is no Planet B. Climate change is one of the biggest threats we face, and Northern Ontario must be part of the solution.

Transition from fossil fuels to a greener economy while creating good-paying jobs in new industries.
Protect our land, waters, and ecosystems by enforcing strong environmental regulations.
Ensure that Indigenous communities have a leading voice in conservation and sustainable development.

We have neglected our stewardship of the land, and future generations will pay the price if we do not take bold action now.

Healthcare for All

In 1962, the NDP introduced universal healthcare in Canada, and in 1984, the Canada Health Act ensured that all Canadians had access to publicly funded medical care.

Now, in a minority government, the NDP has once again expanded healthcare to include some medication coverage and dental care—but we cannot stop there. Our goal is a truly universal healthcare system that includes expanded pharmacare, and mental health services so no one has to choose between their well-being and financial security.

Healthcare should be accessed with a health card, not a credit card.

Reconciliation & Indigenous Rights

We cannot ignore the ongoing harms of colonization. As a settler and ally, I believe that reconciliation must be at the center of government policy, not just a talking point.

Clean water, safe housing, healthcare, and education for Indigenous communities.
Meaningful consultation and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for projects like the Ring of Fire mining development.
Adequate funding for health services, education, social supports, and infrastructure in Indigenous communities.

Reconciliation is not just about acknowledging the past—it is about taking real action to repair the damage and build a future rooted in respect and partnership.

Affordable Housing & Cost of Living

The dream of homeownership and affordable living is slipping away from young families, workers, and seniors. Under Conservative and Liberal governments, housing costs have skyrocketed while wages have failed to keep up.

Stop tax breaks for the wealthiest developers who only build luxury housing.
Invest in public, not-for-profit, and co-op housing to create truly affordable homes.
Implement strong rent controls to protect tenants from being priced out of their communities.

There was a time when affordable starter homes were within reach. We need to bring back that reality by prioritizing people over profits.

Building a Strong & Fair Economy

A healthy economy is not just about corporate profits—it’s about good jobs, fair wages, and a thriving middle class.

Support Canadian businesses, procurement, and supply chains to keep jobs local.
Strengthen workers’ rights and protections, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
Invest in infrastructure to support industries, local businesses, and interprovincial trade.

The NDP has always stood with workers, and we will continue to defend their rights against corporate greed and government neglect.

Tackling Homelessness, Poverty & Crime

A strong community starts with supporting those in need. If we want to reduce crime, homelessness, and poverty, we must address the root causes.

Affordable housing—so people have a safe place to call home.
Accessible education & job training—so people can build a better future.
Mental health & addiction support—so no one is left behind.

When we invest in people, we all benefit.

Fixing the Immigration System

Canada has long been a place of opportunity, but our immigration system is broken and underfunded.

Clear the backlog of immigrants and refugees stuck in legal limbo.
Properly fund post-secondary education so colleges and universities do not exploit international students.
Ensure that essential workers—who were called heroes during the pandemic—are given permanent pathways to residency.

Immigration should be a welcoming process, not a bureaucratic nightmare.

Education for Everyone

Education should be accessible to all, not just the wealthy. Post-secondary education must be part of our public system, so young people are not burdened with massive debt just to gain the skills they need.

Make college and university more affordable.
Expand trades and apprenticeship programs to create more career opportunities.
Strengthen public education at all levels to improve literacy, skills, and job readiness.

National Unity & What It Means to Be Canadian

What does it mean to be Canadian? To me, it means:

A high standard of living.
Progressive laws and human rights protections.
A strong sense of community, diversity, and social justice.
A belief that when we support those in need, we all thrive.

We cannot let fear divide us, hate weaken us, or bullies intimidate us. I am running for the NDP because I believe in a Canada that is fair, inclusive, and just for all.

Let’s build a better future—together.

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