Local NDP go with Horwath — and Horvath

HUNTSVILLE — New Democrats made it official Saturday afternoon.

A day after posing for photos in Parry Sound with Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, the local riding association confirmed Erin Horvath as their candidate June 7 for the Ontario provincial election.

So now its Horwath and Horvath.

Erin Horvath is an entrepreneur who specializes in collaborative community development related to social, cultural and environmental issues.

As the executive director of New Vision Unlimited (www.newvu.org) she has worked on initiatives related to education, land use planning, mental health, addictions, and social enterprise development, says a riding release.

Her range of experience gives depth to her work in politics and community development.

One of her projects, The Hub Muskoka (www.thehubmuskoka.ca), recently won a Rural Ontario Leadership award. The Hub provides shared workspace for entrepreneurs, organizations and small businesses while facilitating cross-sector collaboration to address issues that impact the region such as poverty, housing shortages, precarious employment, and youth mental health.

Horvath has also led many initiatives within not-for-profit, for-profit, First Nation, and municipal settings. She believes that development in Parry Sound-Muskoka should focus on building sustainable, self-sufficient, and secure communities where the quality of life for residents is a priority.

Erin is an ally and advocate for First Nations rights. She cares deeply about promoting creativity within our education system and fights for laws that protect seniors as they age. She is an avid environmentalist who endeavors to live sustainably while promoting policies and practices that preserve our natural environment.

Horvath is completing her PhD in education with a focus on social entrepreneurship.

She lives in Huntsville with her partner Graham and their two children.

The nomination meeting was Saturday May 12, at 1:30 p.m. at The Annex, 1 Minera St. E. Huntsville.