1 day Ago By Hena Masjedee
The Citizen invited Ottawa candidates from the four main parties to write a short article explaining what they will do for their local riding if elected. Some chose to participate; others did not. Today, Ottawa South NDP candidate Hena Masjedee: I’m proud to live in one of Ottawa’s most culturally and racially diverse areas.
I grew up here. I attended Brookfield High School, worked at my parents’ store at Bank and Somerset streets, and earned my degree in Earth Sciences from Carleton University. More than 30 years ago, my parents fled the Taliban in Afghanistan so my brother and I could grow up in safety and freedom.
Like many newcomers, their journey was difficult — but full of hope. Hope that their daughter could study without fear. That they could raise children in peace.
They taught me the values of fairness, equality and justice. That’s why I’m running for the NDP — the only party that reflects these values. Every day, I hear from people struggling with rising costs on almost everything.
And now, with growing threats from Donald Trump and his attacks on our economy and sovereignty, the uncertainty is even greater. We need to act. Now.
We must protect renters from being pushed into homelessness. Let’s build homes people can afford, ban renovictions — like in Heron Gate — and establish real rent controls. I want to work with tenants, advocates and housing experts to create a real plan for safe, clean, affordable housing in Ottawa South.
I’ll fight for better transit, and for us to go electric. Transit investments mean climate action, equity and a thriving local economy. We need to make life more affordable.
In 2024, the cost of healthy eating for a family of four rose to $1,244 a month. The Heron Emergency Food Centre does incredible work, but demand is outpacing resources. I support capping prices on essential foods and working with businesses that are helping families, not gouging them.
I’ll also stand up for human rights — here and abroad. The struggle for Palestinian human rights is linked to issues we face in Canada: anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia and attacks on civil liberties. Like many of you, I agree with the human rights organizations calling what’s happening in Gaza a genocide and am heartbroken by Israel’s attacks in Lebanon and Syria.
I’ve seen how this crisis affects the safety and freedoms of so many in Ottawa South. I believe in Palestinian statehood. I support a permanent ceasefire and a full arms embargo.
Our foreign policy should reflect the same values of justice and dignity we fight for at home. And we can’t ignore the anxiety people feel as Trump threatens our economic stability. Livelihoods are at risk.
Public services — and the public service workers who deliver them — will be essential to help Canadians through it. My office will be a hub to inform and assist those navigating federal support. I will be an advocate to strengthen public services, not cut them.
I was working in the public service during COVID; I saw how workers stepped up to serve Canadians. We’ll need them even more now. That’s the commitment I’m making to the people of Ottawa South: I will fight for you.
Hena Masjedee is the NDP candidate in Ottawa South. RelatedFederal election 2025: Everything you need to know about voting in Ottawa SouthAdam: Who's likely to win in the Ottawa ridings?.
