Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Grace Harper currently lives in the County of Perth Wellington, just north of Oxford County, but she is no stranger to the local area.
Harper’s mother's family moved to Otterville many years ago and over the years Grace visited the area regularly to see family and friends.
“I recently retired after nursing for 43 years. I worked as a registered nurse until 2021. My last nursing job involved working at a private cardiology clinic and assisting with medically induced stress tests. I know firsthand how private medical care can greatly assist and complement our failing public health system.”
Harper became interested in politics in 2020. She ran in a 2022 municipal election and greatly enjoyed contributing to her community in that way. She also chaired a committee called “The Nursing Shortage and You” where she worked hard to advocate for nurses and to shed light on that issue.
In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, cooking, reading, and assisting at her grandson’s school.
“I want the people of Oxford to know that this election is a turning point. If we continue to accept weak leadership, we will continue to suffer. We, the people, have the power to change the future of Ontario and we need to demand better from our provincial government.”
She added her vast experience in healthcare would shed light on nursing shortages in the province along with her past political experience, will help her serve and stand up for voters at Queen’s Park.
Other issues she wanted to address included high taxation and a lack of respect for farmers and farmland. She also stands behind the beliefs of the party.
“I believe all human beings have an inalienable right to life, liberty, and private property. I believe in a free and just society that guarantees and safeguards the inalienable rights of all citizens and I believe in limited government and the indispensable role autonomous institutions play.”
Harper added she also believes in honouring parents as the primary educators of their children and respecting the values they choose to live with and raise their children by.
“I believe in freedom of conscience, freedom of worship and religion, freedom of speech, freedom of association and assembly. I believe in the good stewardship of our natural environment and its resources.”
Harper also supports a small, decentralized government that respects regional interests and empowers local governments along with balanced budgets.
“I firmly reject the gross mismanagement of public funds.”
She added her life’s most important work has been raising my children.
“After decades of living without government transparency and accountability, I am now gravely concerned for not only my children but all of Ontario’s children. They deserve better!”
Profiles of local election candidates were featured in recent editions of the Tillsonburg Post, Wilmot Tavistock Gazette, and Woodstock Ingersoll Echo. This candidate's profile was unintentionally left out, so we're publishing it here to ensure all candidates receive fair coverage. You can find the rest of the profiles in the following issues of your local paper:
Tillsonburg Post: February 20, 2025
Wilmot Tavistock Gazette: February 6, 2025 & February 13, 2025
Woodstock Ingersoll Echo: January 31, 2025 & February 14, 2025
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