The Green Party of Ontario has announced that Tom Regina has been nominated as its candidate for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock ahead of the 2022 provincial election.
“Tom is a long-time resident and member of the region and understands the key challenges facing the area,” said Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner in a news release.
“He gets it. He’s a strong community builder and will be an authentic and real voice for his neighbours at Queen’s Park.”
A resident of Haliburton for more than 30 years, Regina taught music and was the head of arts at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School.
As a teacher in a rural community, the party said he has seen the challenges faced by many families regarding equitable access to housing, transportation and jobs.
“I’m concerned about the divisive political culture that stands in the way of putting forward real solutions to improve people’s lives, green solutions like affordable housing, accessible transit and good, green jobs,” Regina said.
“We need to start collaborating more in politics and focus on building a greener, more caring and equitable Ontario.”
Regina said he is a strong advocate for arts education and community building through arts participation.
He is a founding member of two community choirs, a local music festival for students of all ages, and the Highlands Summer Festival, which provides theatre experience for community members in a semi-professional setting.
He is joined so far in the race by Conservative candidate and incumbent Laurie Scott and NDP candidate Barbara Doyle. Regina was one of the founding members of the HKLB Green Association which launched in 2021
