QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, released the following statement thanking Laura Mae Lindo for years of tireless service as she steps down from her role as MPP:
“It is with immense gratitude that I wish Laura Mae well as she moves on to a new role today, and sincerely thank her for her years of community service in Kitchener Centre. As a Member of Provincial Parliament, Laura Mae has been a charismatic and dynamic advocate for Kitchener and people across the province. I know that her bright spark as a community leader will continue to shine in every new role she takes on. And I thank the voters of Kitchener Centre for their support.
Laura Mae Lindo served as the Inaugural Chair of the Ontario NDP Black Caucus, as well as the Official Opposition critic for Anti-Racism and Equity, and critic for Colleges and Universities. She was an instrumental part of many Ontario NDP initiatives, including the push for paid sick days during COVID-19 and advancing solutions to address inequities in health care and education for Black and Indigenous Ontarians.
Laura Mae has served her constituents with purpose, principles, and pride. She always made sure she put the needs of Kitchener Centre first as an MPP and as a member of the Official Opposition.
There are many real barriers that still exist in our political and social systems for working mothers. Those barriers too often result in women not running for office. Unfortunately, Laura Mae faced them head on at Queen’s Park. Our political system was created on the outdated assumption that men would be representing Ontarians as MPPs (staying away sometimes for weeks on end) while family members—usually women—would take care of the children in their absence. But families come in all shapes and sizes, and our systems need to change to reflect that.
As we continue to fight for better access to affordable childcare for families, and decent wages and respect for early childhood educators, we know that many Ontario women face a daily struggle to ensure their children are safe and cared for while they work.
I know my colleagues join me in championing her in future endeavors, and looking forward to seeing what she will accomplish next.
Thank you, Laura Mae.”