Cambridge NDP candidate, Marjorie Knight, says it’s long past time that Cambridge families saw a government that was working to make life better for them.
That’s why, Knight says, she is ready to run a second time in the 2022 provincial election.
Knight, a long-time Cambridge resident, community outreach worker, and anti-poverty advocate, ran a competitive campaign in the 2018 election, finishing only four per cent shy of winning.
This time, she says, people need to see change.
“Nothing has changed since the last election. And that is why I am here, today,” Knight says.
“It can be scary to step out of the norm, but people should vote for what they want to see, whether they are afraid to or not.”
Since arriving in Cambridge from Jamaica, over 20 years go, Knight’s own fears of a new life in a new place, soon disappeared.
“I packed up my two twin 13-year-old daughters, and we came to Cambridge. Their first day of school, I will never forget, they came home with friends. People were so friendly, helpful, and welcoming. This was the Cambridge I first met,” Knight says.
“We have such a vibrant community. Our libraries and community centres offer all kinds of programming for kids. They do tremendous work by offering families a place to gather, play and learn. I experienced this coming here,”
Working as a community outreach worker at the House of Friendship for the last five years, Knight sees first-hand, the issues facing families with low or no income.
“We look at what families want to do and ways of getting there, because the first thing that dies, is hope. Some people have been beaten at life so many times. It’s about bringing back their confidence. We want families to believe they can, and if they can, they will,” Knight says.
Knight is passionate about housing and education, something her own parents in Jamaica, strongly advocated for. Part of that education includes helping families plan for their future.
“When you encourage and give people the tools they need, the results can be astounding,” she says.
Knight is committed to helping families find homes they can afford.
“People make assumptions about homelessness. It’s not always about drug abuse or mental health. Right now, a high percentage of those homeless are seniors or are disabled. Social housing lists are huge, so there is a zero per cent chance of affordable rent today,” Knight says.
“I myself have been homeless, and it is awful, the stress you live with everyday.”
After her own experiences, Knight pursued a BA in Social Sciences. Today, she is devoted to tackling issues of poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity.
“I want to look at the gaps, make changes, and invest in people’s well-being. Unless we all come to the table together, nothing will change,” Knight says.
Knight has gone to bat for Ontario workers as part of the ‘15 and Fairness’ campaign for a fair minimum wage and for workers rights.
“Everyone’s job is valuable, and everyone should be able to work and buy food,” Knight says.
Knight says everyone’s voices can help bring solutions.
“I want to reach out to others who are doing such great work in the community. Collaboration is key,” Knight says.
“When you bring everyone to the table, change happens.”
As well as the support she receives from her family, including her two-year-old grand daughter, Knight says she is grateful for all the encouragement from the community.
“People want to help with all kinds of things like dropping off flyers. It really feels great,” Knight says.
No mistake, Knight says, Cambridge is still the most welcoming city.
“Everyone looks after each other,” Knight says. “And that’s my community.”
