I am proud to say that I grew up in Muskoka. I attended both Gravenhurst Public School and Gravenhurst High School. While I was able to experience the benefits of living in such a beautiful part of rural Canada, such as the closeness of community and the natural environment that is unique to Parry Sound-Muskoka, I was also exposed to challenges including access to quality health care and the need for sound and reliable infrastructure.

     After attending college, I was offered a job with Andy Mitchell, the former Liberal Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka. I moved to Ottawa and worked for Andy for over four years, first as his constituency assistant on Parliament Hill, then as Special Assistant when he became Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. It was a wonderful and gratifying experience to serve and to improve the lives of the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka and Canadians from coast to coast to coast. This is when I realized that I wanted to continue helping people and their communities, as well as participate in community life. While serving in Andy’s office and working on his election campaigns, I had the opportunity to travel to every corner of the riding and to learn first-hand about what was important to the people of the area.

    I am committed to working with you to improve the quality of life for local residents and to meet challenges together as a team. I know what it takes to be an effective Member of Parliament and I truly believe I am up for the task. I have kept informed of issues important to Canadians by continuing to work on Parliament Hill for the Honourable Sue Barnes, the Member of Parliament for London West.

     Being a young woman, I applaud the Honourable Stéphane Dion for encouraging talented woman to run for public office. I have witnessed a change in attitude in the Liberal Party since Mr. Dion was elected as our leader last December. He is committed to working in partnership with Canadians and stakeholders, and most of all, he has an environmentally and economically sound plan to make Canada a global leader in a competitive and ever-changing world. This is a leader and a party that I firmly believe in.

     I have new ideas to bring to the table. Parliament should be a representation of Canada and I do not feel we have a true representation at this time. There are young candidates running for the nomination in other ridings and I feel this is a great opportunity for the Liberal Party and the country as a whole. By putting my name forward, I hope to get the attention of young people in the riding and across the country. I want to encourage them get interested in government and in the electoral process. I firmly believe everyone has something important to contribute and I welcome anyone who wants to get involved.

    While a date has not yet been set for the Liberal nomination meeting in Parry Sound-Muskoka, I anticipate that it will occur in the next couple of weeks. To secure the nomination, I must sell Liberal memberships in Parry Sound-Muskoka and ensure that my members attend the nomination meeting. Memberships cost ten dollars each, lower for seniors and students. If you choose to support my candidacy and want to purchase a membership, please contact me via email at voterhodes@gmail.com.

     I also look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions or comments regarding my candidacy for the Liberal nomination or would like to discuss the issues facing the riding, please feel free to contact me at the same address.
     
     Muskoka has always been my home and I ask for your support in helping me make it an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Brenda Rhodes