Barometers

Candid Conversation with an Independent Kory Read for St. Catharines: Tackling Big Issues.

MP: Why are you running for office?

Kory Read: Well, I’m running for office because, honestly, St. Catharines deserves better leadership. I’ve been watching from the sidelines long enough. The needs of our community have been consistently overlooked, and I’m tired of waiting for someone else to take action. It’s time to step up, especially when it comes to issues like economic stagnation, inadequate healthcare, and insufficient support for our seniors. Chris Bittle, in my opinion, has dropped the ball, and it’s time for real change—change driven by the people, through direct democracy.

MP: You’re running as an independent without the backing of a political party. How do you plan to make changes without that party support?

Kory Read: That’s the beauty of being an independent is that I’m not tied to any party line. I can focus solely on what St. Catharines needs. My strategy is all about building strong relationships with other MPs, regardless of their party. It’s about collaboration, finding common ground, and working together to push for the changes that matter to our community. By staying focused on local issues and cutting through the political noise, I can still be effective.

MP: What sets you apart from your opponent, Chris Bittle?

Kory Read: Oh, where do I begin? Chris Bittle has been in office for years, and in that time, I’ve seen little action specific to St. Catharines. He’s been criticized for being a bully, and instead of delivering results, he hides behind party accomplishments. Not to mention, he’s made some pretty shocking racist and divisive remarks that have only fueled animosity in our community. That’s not what leadership should look like. I’m different because I believe in accessibility, transparency, and inclusivity. I’m here to listen to the people and bring about real, tangible results. St. Catharines deserves someone who will work for them, not for their party.

MP: What are the biggest challenges facing St. Catharines right now?

Kory Read: Where do I start? Economic stagnation is a huge issue. Businesses are closing down, especially in the downtown area, and job opportunities are scarce. Homelessness is on the rise, and the addiction crisis is growing out of control. Healthcare services are struggling, and our seniors aren’t getting the support they deserve. And honestly, one of our biggest challenges is Chris Bittle himself. He’s been in power for years and has done nothing to address these pressing issues. It’s time for leadership that takes action.

MP: So how do you plan to tackle economic growth and job creation?

Kory Read: It starts with supporting local businesses. I want to promote business development through targeted support and incentives. I’ll work closely with local entrepreneurs to identify their needs and remove any obstacles in their way. I’m also focused on investing in infrastructure, which will create new jobs and stimulate the local economy. But it’s not just about short-term fixes. We need to focus on workforce development—partnering with schools, vocational centers, and community colleges to align training programs with the needs of local industries. Upskilling the workforce is key to long-term growth.

MP: And what about homelessness? How do you plan to address that issue?

Kory Read: I’m glad you asked. My A.L.C. (Affordable Living Communities) initiative is at the heart of my plan. It’s more than just giving people homes; it’s about creating affordable housing that’s paired with job training and mental health resources. We need to provide people with the tools to get back on their feet. It’s about personal responsibility, ensuring that those who want to improve their lives can access the help they need. We need to build communities where everyone contributes and thrives.

MP: Can you tell me more about the A.L.C. and how it differs from the current government’s approach?

Kory Read: Absolutely. The Liberal government’s affordable housing program provides subsidies or rent-controlled units, which is a good start. But it doesn’t go far enough—it doesn’t address the root causes of poverty or unemployment. My A.L.C. initiative offers government-built homes for sale at just above construction cost. These are quality homes, not makeshift ones, and they give people a real path to homeownership. Paired with my P.F.I.R. (Permanent Fixed Interest Rate) program, families can pay off their homes in less than 10 years, rather than being trapped in 25-year mortgages with fluctuating bank rates. It’s about building equity and financial stability sooner.

MP: That sounds ambitious. Let’s pivot a bit—how do you plan to address addiction in St. Catharines?

Kory Read: Addiction is a complex issue, and we need a comprehensive approach. My plan involves providing mental health counseling, addiction treatment programs, and job training to help people regain their independence. The root causes of addiction—like mental health issues—need to be addressed if we want to see long-term change. It’s not just about getting people off the streets; it’s about giving them the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives.

MP: Healthcare is always a hot topic. How do you plan to improve healthcare in St. Catharines?

Kory Read: It’s simple—more funding and better resource allocation. I’ll advocate for increased funding for local healthcare facilities to cut down on wait times and improve service delivery. I’ll also work closely with healthcare professionals and community leaders to develop solutions that ensure everyone in St. Catharines has access to the care they need. Healthcare should be accessible and efficient, not a bureaucratic nightmare.

MP: And what about the senior community? How do you plan to support them?

Kory Read: Our seniors deserve better, plain and simple. I want to enhance support for them by advocating for affordable housing, improved access to healthcare, and more community services tailored to their needs. Seniors should have opportunities for social engagement, not isolation. Listening to their concerns and providing them with the resources they need will be one of my top priorities.

MP: You’ve mentioned direct democracy a few times. What does that look like in practice for St. Catharines?

Kory Read: Direct democracy is all about giving the people a real voice in decision-making. I want to implement accessible platforms where residents can vote on important issues, participate in surveys, and attend community forums. It’s about making the government more transparent and responsive. I’ll actively seek input from underrepresented groups to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, not just the loudest ones.

MP: Lastly, any final thoughts?

Kory Read: My vision for St. Catharines is simple—real, community-driven change. I’m not here to make empty promises. I’m here to take tangible action, to collaborate with local businesses and organizations, and to leverage every available resource to make St. Catharines a better place to live. I believe in transparency, accountability, and putting the community first. Together, we can create a brighter future for St. Catharines.

MP: Thanks for your time. Good luck with your campaign!

Kory Read: Thank you! Let’s make this happen for St. Catharines!

Kory Read was a supporter of the First Ever Live Chess by the Falls a fundraiser for Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region.