Marc Laferriere for Brant MP

What People Are Saying About Marc!

“What I know about Marc is that he rolls up his sleeves and works with people. Whether it’s on poverty issues, whether it’s on sustainability issues, or whether it’s helping people who have different challenges in their lives. He has the kind of background - for a young guy I don’t know how he got such a resume - he has done so many different things and that means he is going to have a good understanding of the different issues facing the different aspects of the community.”

Jack Layton – From Brant News interview December, 2009.

“I am pleased to fully endorse this young man.” Blackburn said in a prepared statement. “Over the last few months as I have gotten to know Marc I see that he has all the tools to be a very effective voice for the people of Brant in Ottawa. I expect winning things from him and his team and am asking those who supported me in the past to support Marc now and during the next election. He’s very keen, hard working, accessible and he understands that constituents are the number one priority. That thought should be paramount for any politician; people before party and Marc already appreciates this."

Derek Blackburn - MP For Brant from 1971 - 1993

"Marc Laferriere is a great candidate and will make a great MP. Watch this race. We need some strong, spirited new voices in Ottawa."

Charlie Angus - MP for Timmins - James Bay, Author, Juno Nominated Musician, and NDP Spokesperson for Culture, Heritage and Digital Issues.

"Marc's principles are totally other centred. He is a fine man, whom I am honoured to count as a friend. On a daily basis he exemplifies the qualities of servant leadership and love for the community. As a public representative I have no doubt http://charlieangus.ndp.ca/ Marc will always put the people of Brant before politics. I am certain that this man of humble, yet deep seeded conviction would be a true voice for Brant in Ottawa.

How do I know this?

Because he already is, regardless of his location, position or ballot count."

Amy Marlene Robichaud-Harpe - 2009 Winner of Canada's Next Great Prime Minister Contest on CBC

"To any one who has found themselves apathetic, to anyone who has become tired and disappointed in what has been happening locally and federally I can only tell you this; all parties are not the same. Take a look at their records then take a look at Marc's! We now have a viable and vital alternative in Brant. Your vote for Marc will make a difference. Welcome back to all those workers and young people from our community who wanted a voice in Ottawa for their concerns. Vote for Marc Laferriere and you'll have it."

Don Guest - First Vice President, Brantford & District Labour Council

"If Canadians can support Barack Obama for President of the US, then I can support Marc Laferriere for the Canadian Parliament. I appreciate the fact that Marc is a genuine grass roots candidate - someone who got his hands dirty in a community garden."

-Jim Diers, Seattle author of Neighbor Power

"I work in a field of art that is rarely, if ever, taken seriously. So, to me, it's wonderful to see someone like Marc not only enjoy what I do, but to see it as the literature and art form it should be seen as. And if Marc can respect what I do for a living, he's sure to respect what you do... which is pretty much all we can hope for in life. Repect."

Tom Beland, Comic Book Writer/Artist and Eisner Award Nominated Creator of "True Story: Swear to God."

"Marc Laferriere is a compassionate, understanding and devoted person. Marc understands the need for more time in Long Term Care, recognition for our Personal Support Workers and more support for our Seniors. Marc puts their needs first. We look forward to following Marc in his career and working side by side for a better future."

Miranda Ferrier- President PSW Canada (2007)

"After having worked in the settlement sector for years, I believe Marc Laferriere is the best candidate when it comes to watching out for the interests of immigrants in Brant. He has really exciting policy ideas for improving the accreditation process for internationally trained professionals, expediting the process of sponsoring family members from abroad, and for instituting the Refugee Appeal Division as was supposed to be done when the IRPA came out."

Eduardo Queiruga - Settlement and Adaptation Worker, Past Leadership Team Member Brant/Brantford Roundtable on Poverty

"Marc blows me away with his energy and his sincere level of commitment. He means what he says and he takes action to get things done. Brant has not seen a better candidate since Derek Blackburn."

Randy Schelhas - Expositor Community Editorial Board Member

"Marc Laferriere has been an amazing, energetic and compassionate ally to our women's agency. He recognizes the value of community work, with an understanding of people's lives, and of his place in that work. As a voice in elected politics Marc will ensure that the 'little issues,' that are the big issues in people's lives, will not be overlooked."

-Carrie Sinkowski, Community Worker

"Marc Laferriere is someone that truly cares about the 'little guy.' I believe he truly understands what it takes to be a successful small business owner, and I truly want to thank him for all his help and encouragement. In this day and age it seems to be hard to meet quality, caring people, Marc is one of those. This is the type of man you want representing you."

-Wayne Cryderman, Executive Director of Rage Entertainment

"What has really struck me about Marc is his willingness to listen and bring people together. He really understands this community. As a school teacher I am energized by the positive messages that he is delivering for our youth and their families. I am proud to support Marc Larerriere.

-Cory Judson - Local Educator & Organizer

Biography

Named to the National Board of Directors of Canada Without Poverty

Former Coordinator and Leadership Team Member of The Brant/Brantford Roundtable on Poverty focusing on collaborative anti-poverty work.

Co-Chair of the Brant/Brantford Community Garden Network and a leader in creating Brantford's first public community garden which, created over 3000 pounds of food for the community utilizing resources and partnerships from business, organizations and community members.

Sits on local committees such as the Mental Week Committee and the Local Global Peace Festival Committee

Registered Social Worker and active member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers

Current Social Worker for the Grand River Community Health Centre and former Clinical Social Worker and Residential Consultant for Woodview Children’s Mental Health and Autism Services

Earned a Master’s in Social Work as well as an HBSW and BA from Lakehead Univeristy and the University of Ottawa respectively.

Has lectured classes at a variety of Canadian Universities including Laurier Brantford. Topics have included “Empowerment and Voice,” “Advocacy,” “Understanding Communities and Organizations,” “Poverty as a Determinant of Health” and “Children’s Mental Health.”

Past Vice President/Chief Steward of the Association of Residential Treatment Concepts with Pioneer Youth Services

Former Executive Producer, On Air-talent for TV ZOOM.

Research used by The Centre for Education and Research on Aging and the Children’s Aid Society of Brant

Conceptualized and Organized "Seeing Voices: Community Art and Anti-Oppression Project" in Thunder Bay

Volunteer consultant with Youth Leadership Camps Canada Leadership Training Centre

Named CUSID National Public Speaking Champion in 2004 and Provincial Best Oralist for Law Day in 2000.

Has been actively involved in Brant riding leadership since his first city council delegation at the age of 14 where he successfully advocated for a new city bus route for Assumption College School