In the 70’s my mother embarked on a journey to Canada with a dream for a better life for her children where anything was possible through hard work, drive and determination. She believed in the Canadian dream and I am a living example of that dream coming true. 

There were struggles, hardship and sacrifices but it is because of Canada and that Canadian dream that I have been able to go from being raised in Winnipeg in an inner city neighbourhood by a single mother to becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic and then a three times Member of Parliament from Brampton in Ontario. While my journey hasn’t been easy, I have learned about the power of strength, resilience, perseverance and persistence. 

I have dedicated my life to people and public service. I started my journey to making a difference at the age of 10 when I wrote to a Prime Minister asking for peace and justice. At the age of 16 I spent my weekends volunteering at the office of my local Member of Parliament. I have knocked on thousands of doors, worked on hundreds of campaigns, co-chaired leadership races, sat on national executives and joined fellow liberal across the country in building and growing the liberal party, our country and our future.

When I was an MP, my election campaigns were battles filled with drive by smears, vicious attacks and propaganda from my opponents. They tried and tried but they failed. Instead our team won and won and won again for three elections. 

After three terms in political office I went back to the private sector to focus on expanding the family business and charitable initiatives to promote and empower women and young entrepreneurs.  

A few years back, when tragedy struck and my brother passed away, I went from starting from scratch learning about the hospitality and hotel business to being awarded Women Hotelier of the Year by the world's largest hotel association. I remember my heart being filled with pride that I was the first Canadian to receive this award.

As I reflect on all I’ve been through—the struggles, the heartache, the victories, the triumphs and the lessons learned—I am ready to take on the greatest challenge of my life.   

I am not entering the race to lead the Liberal Party because I need a job - but because I believe that we need to return our Party back into the hands of members across the country who believe in the future of our Party and the promise of our country.  We need to take our Party back to the center with policies, programs and solutions that will allow ordinary Canadians to succeed, flourish and live the Canadian dream. 

As I have not been involved with the current Trudeau administration some will consider me an outsider. To others, I will be considered a breath of fresh air. However, I am sure all of you agree that it is time for change. And that time is now.

We need to renew, rebuild, re-engage and reconnect with Canadians from all walks of life and all backgrounds. The Liberal Party needs a leader who is dedicated to taking action and achieving results. This is not a short term job. And I promise you I will stay on for the long-haul because as a business owner quitting is never an option.  

When I first ran we made history. 21 years later, let's do it again. I am a tireless worker, a fearless advocate and deeply passionate. I will not let you down as your leader or as your Prime Minister. 

P.S. 

My brother's life philosophy was based on the book "The Secret"

Ask for it. Believe it. Receive it.

When I was asked in Grade 5 what I wanted to be when I grew up I wrote: “I want to be the Prime Minister of Canada”. Let's go.