Gayani Weerasinghe wants the PC nod
By Bill Rea

Provincial Progressive Conservatives in Oak Ridges - Markham will be picking their candidate for the next election (expected in October) June 2, and an organizational behaviour specialist from Markham is hoping to get the nod.

Gayani Weerasinghe, a 31-year-old mother of three, said this is her first step into political waters. She cited her background in organizational behaviour and her passion for health care, saying she saw an opportunity to do something.

"If I don't engage in the process now, I feel I don't have the right to complain about the process later on," she remarked.

Weerasinghe added she believes in the Tory platform, along with the need to have efficiencies in things like the health care system in order for them to survive.

Weerasinghe is among a couple of confirmed candidates for the nomination.

"I think we each bring our separate attributes," she commented. "I think we need a candidate who is passionate about multiple issues."

She also said she's been learning about King Township's needs, involving such things as the relationship between the various levels of government. They include addressing access to health care, as she pointed out there are alternatives to simply putting large hospitals in place.

Weerasinghe was talking confidently about the party's chances in the coming campaign.

"We're going to take a majority government," she declared. "It's time for change. It's time for a solution for the future."

"John Tory is a fantastic leader," she added. "I can't see how we're not going to play with a majority government."