When election season comes around, voters often hear about candidates running for MP (Member of Parliament) and MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament). But what’s the difference between the two roles, and why does it matter for Guelph?

More importantly, how can having both a Green MP and a Green MPP create a stronger, more sustainable future for our community?

What Does an MP Do?

An MP represents Guelph at the federal level in Ottawa. Their job is to work on national laws, budgets, and policies that affect the entire country, and in turn affect our local community. Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik is our Green candidate for MP here in Guelph.

Some key responsibilities include:

  • Policy Creation: MPs debate and vote on federal laws, including healthcare, climate action, economic policies, and international trade.
  • Federal Funding and Grants: MPs help secure federal investments for local infrastructure, social services, and community projects.
  • Constituent Services: MPs assist residents with federal matters such as resources, immigration, passports, employment insurance, and Canada Pension Plan concerns.

What Does an MPP Do?

An MPP represents Guelph at the provincial level in Queen’s Park (Toronto). Their role focuses on laws, budgets, and programs that affect Ontario specifically. Key responsibilities include:

  • Provincial Legislation: MPPs work on laws that impact healthcare, education, transportation, housing, and environmental protection within Ontario.
  • Provincial Funding: MPPs ensure that provincial tax dollars are allocated fairly, including funding for schools, hospitals, and public transit.
  • Community Advocacy: MPPs help residents navigate provincial services like OHIP, driver’s licenses, social assistance, and education funding.

How an MP and MPP Can Work Together for Guelph

Guelph is already a leader in sustainability and community-driven progress, and with the re-election of Green MPP Mike Schreiner, we have a strong advocate at the provincial level. Now, imagine what we could accomplish with a Green MP working alongside him.

By having both a Green MP and MPP, Guelph can benefit from a coordinated effort to push for policies that directly improve our community, such as:

1. Strengthening Healthcare in Guelph

MP Role: Advocating for a reformed Canada Health Act to ensure fair federal healthcare funding, and financial support for more community health hubs.

MPP Role: Allocating provincial resources to implement those changes and improve local healthcare infrastructure.

Together, a Green MP and MPP can advocate for funding to support mental health services, community health clinics, and improved healthcare accessibility in Guelph.

2. Making Housing More Affordable

MP Role: Advocating for federal investments in affordable housing programs and renter protections.

MPP Role: Ensuring that provincial housing policies and rent controls support affordability and fair housing development.

Together, they can push for sustainable, affordable housing projects in Guelph and ensure that both federal and provincial funds are directed to where they are needed most.

3. Climate Leadership and Green Jobs

MP Role: Securing federal funding for clean energy initiatives, green infrastructure, and climate resilience projects.

MPP Role: Implementing provincial policies that promote renewable energy, protect local ecosystems, and create sustainable jobs.

Together, a Green MP and MPP can make Guelph a model city for climate action by securing investments in green innovation and ensuring policies support local businesses in the clean economy.

Make Guelph “Double Green”: A Unique Opportunity

Guelph has the chance to become a “double green” city—a place where both federal and provincial representatives work together for a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. With a Green MP and MPP collaborating, we can ensure that policies align at both levels of government, leading to stronger support for local initiatives, better use of funding, and a unified voice advocating for our community’s needs.

This election, we have the power to choose real leadership. Let’s build a future where Guelph thrives. Pledge to vote Green today!