Bloc Québécois, Hull-Aylmer

Joanie Riopel

What motivated you to run as a candidate?

As a Graduate in technical rehabilitation and criminal justice, I’ve worked with several vulnerable clientele, such as women in shelters and children that have been victims of sexual abuse or trapped in rehabilitation centres. I am currently a social work technician at the CSPO and my experience in the social services network and community organizations in the Hull-Aylmer sector has led me to want to be more involved in reducing social inequalities and giving every child an equal opportunity to flourish on a green earth and within a vibrant community.

What is your full-time job?

I am a social work technician in high schools, where I am currently coaching students with behavioural difficulties.

What are your passions in work and in life?  (Volunteerism, sport, art, etc.)

I need and love working as a counsellor. When I’m not at work, I get involved with my community. Whether it’s simply offering help to someone on the street or volunteering, I’m passionate about helping others.

When I need to recharge my batteries, I love to hike in our many urban forests.

What would your priorities be in the short and long term if you are elected?

 My local priority will be to be the voice of Quebeckers in my riding of Hull-Aylmer. The taxes we send to Ottawa must be used to meet our needs. The climate changes we are experiencing, the housing crisis, and public transit in the west end of the city of Gatineau are priorities that we need to talk hard about in Ottawa in order to receive the money that we are due. 

Since the provinces control land use planning, transit systems, energy production and natural resource development, there are essentially two levers in Ottawa: taxation and regulation. The Bloc Québécois is proposing to make maximum use of these two levers and to change the system to put it at the service of the environment. As long as it does not become expensive to pollute and pay to reduce its carbon footprint, Canada will continue to pollute and Quebec will struggle to take flight. That is what we are condemned by the current tax system, which is the opposite of the polluter pays principle. 

Like you, I have realized for years that Canada is not up to these challenges and it is in this context that Quebec will sooner or later have to take its full place. I will be the voice of the people of Hull-Aylmer so that our voice is heard in Ottawa. These are all challenges that I want to tackle starting October 21.