From Monika's personal feed:

This is it. Sydney-Victoria, and the country, will vote tomorrow. As I, we, come to the end of the campaign, I have a few thoughts, in no particular order…
- An election is a good time to talk about policies. I was able to engage in deep discussions with people — because that is what they wanted to do. People at the door asked for details, and shared their stories, opinions, and knowledge. I could be open and honest; I could talk about NDP positions as well as give my own thoughts, including writing personal social media posts, speeches, and responses to questions.
- I believe in key policies put out by the NDP that set us apart from other parties — particularly a commitment to national pharmacare and childcare, and strong climate change policies such as putting a price on carbon and setting clear emissions targets. I am proud to support a party that opposed Bill C-51. But my words from an early blog post still apply, “…No party’s policies are perfect. I chose to be part of a collective because of the changes that can be created through having a progressive voice in government. But I plan on pushing the party to be stronger in areas that are important to Sydney-Victoria, and important to health — and continuing to work with anyone whose goal is to make the lives of Cape Bretoners better.”
- I love my little boy. He has been patient — well, most of the time. He has learned that if he lies quietly awake in bed at night when I’m out canvassing, eventually I’ll come home to cuddle with him. He talks about elections and the NDP and signs and canvassing with ease, and one day all those pieces will hopefully fit together to shape a child that is engaged in his community, however he chooses to be.
- This has been one of the more fulfilling, humbling, tiring experiences of my life. Spending day after day after day knocking on doors, talking with people, seeing families, houses and neighbourhoods, being invited in for tea, being supported, criticised, applauded or dismissed — I have gained a better understanding of the day-to-day lives of Cape Bretoners, and these conversations will infuse whatever I go on to do from October 20th. Everyone should do this at least once smile emoticon
- People amaze me. The volunteers who have spent a few hours or hundreds of hours working on this campaign, or the man who talked about how his one job at a local business supports six people, or the single mother whose pulled herself through in spite of our social support system rather than because of it — I could go on and on. This is an island of contrasts — tough, resilient, thriving, faltering, hopeful — and I’ve had the privilege of exploring those contrasts and individual experiences in a way I couldn’t have done through any other vocation.
- We need more diversity in politics. There are few women and no women of colour in Cape Breton politics at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. But it was heartening to hear, time after time, “We need more women in politics.”
- Racism and xenophobia should never underlie political tactics and policies.
- It takes money and social supports to run for office. I needed to take a leave from my job, which would be difficult/impossible for most people. As a physician, I had an option to do occasional work, which others might not have. As a single mother, childcare was a constant consideration, and I thank friends like Claire, Jodi, and Joanne, my father who spent more time with Kail than he ever has, and Reich, who was unbelievably flexible with her hours, for keeping Kail well-loved while I was campaigning. Barriers would be immense for anyone wanting to run who is challenged in any way, particularly financially.
- I have a phenomenal team. I won't name them all as I’ll likely miss some, so I’ll just say that it was a pleasure working with my campaign manager Suzanne.
And, of course, I hope you vote for me and the NDP.
I’ve tried to show you that in the past months, and years, that I care about individuals in Cape Breton, our communities, and how national policies impact us at the local level. Cape Breton has been the most welcoming home for me and Kail, and I would love to represent you as your Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria.
On to tomorrow.
Monika.