By Pepper Parr
October 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
I sent a note to Andrea Grebenc on Thanksgiving Day asking if she was in or out of the Provincial Liberal nomination race. Shortly before going to my evening bubble gum for the eyes routine (Netflix) there was a note from Grebenc: Hi Pepper, Yes, I’m in.
Here is her story:
Andrea Grebenc: Serving as Chair of the HDSB during the pandemic.
“As an experienced leader, dedicated community advocate, and lifelong resident of Burlington, I am thrilled to announce that I am seeking the Ontario Liberal Party nomination for the Burlington provincial riding. I invite you to join me in shaping a brighter future for this great city and Ontario.
“Burlington is more than just a place on the map—it’s where my father found refuge and where I grew up surrounded by the support and values that make this community truly unique. It’s where I’ve chosen to raise my family and invest in the future we all share. My commitment to serving Burlington has been unwavering, whether it’s through my role as a twice-elected School Board Trustee for the Halton District School Board, serving as Board Chair during the most challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, or stepping up to run for Halton Regional Chair in 2022, earning the trust and support of 20,000 voters.
“I believe in a Burlington where every resident has access to quality publicly-funded education, affordable housing, reliable publicly-funded healthcare, and efficient and effective transportation. I have been privileged to work alongside other community supporters on the City of Burlington’s Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee and as part of the Appleby Line Street Festival organizing committee. I feel honoured and humbled to have been recently recognized by Burlington’s SB Partners Chartered Accountants as a Burlington Community Champion. These experiences have only deepened my resolve to fight for policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.
Conferring with then HDSB Director of Education Stewart Miller
“With experience in public speaking, debating, and media relations, and a track record of building strong relationships with local council members, provincial and federal politicians, and other community leaders, I am ready to be a strong voice for Burlington at Queen’s Park. My vision is grounded in practical solutions and guided by a passion for making a real difference in the lives of those around me.
“But I can’t do this alone. I need your support to secure the nomination and to build a campaign that truly represents the heart and spirit of Burlington. By joining the Ontario Liberal Party today at no cost and standing with me and trusting me with your vote at the soon-to-be-announced nomination meeting, you are choosing a candidate who understands the challenges we face and is committed to delivering results that matter.
“Together, let’s make Burlington an even better place to live, work, and raise our families. Let’s drive positive change, rooted in the values that have always made our community strong. Join me in this journey. Let’s build a future we can all be proud of.”
Oliver Parking announced his drive to seek the same nomination last Thursady.
A fair healthy nomination race is good for the democratic process and for the community at large.
For more information or to get involved in the Grebenc campaign:
Email: contact@andrea4burlington.ca
Phone: 905-510-4847
Website: https://Andrea4Burlington.ca
More on what Andrea Grebenc achieved when she was a school board trustee later.
What do you define as “real world” Graham? Ah yes, the “venerable sector” . One might also ask, given the publicized CV of Mr. Parker ‘why in the world would he want to be an MPP, a backbencher and in opposition (most Likely) to boot. It never impresses me when individuals of remarkable ‘bona fides’ and perceived gravitas decide to enter politics at a level in which contribution is measured mostly by “attendance”.
I will support Ms. Grebenc.
What real world work experience does she have.Sitting on school boards never impresses .
Andrea has been a wonderful advocate for education, and when on the school board she was not afraid to speak out against the Ford government when needed, which I very much appreciated. When she ran for Regional Chair, she was the only candidate who showed up for the debates! Both the supposedly “seasoned politicians” Gary Carr and Jane McKenna couldn’t be bothered. In fact, it seemed to me that Andrea was the only candidate interested in communicating with the electorate at all.
I hope that Andrea secures the nomination. She is terrific. We need more people like Andrea running for public office, a breath of fresh air, and willing to speak out.