Helena Jaczek is Liberal candidate in Oak Ridges - Markham
By Bill Rea

Dr. Helena Jaczek

York Region's former medical officer of health is taking another stab at provincial politics.

Dr. Helena Jaczek was recently acclaimed as the Liberal candidate in Oak Ridges - Markham for the up-coming provincial election.

Jaczek, 56, carried the party's flag in Oak Ridges in the 2003 election, finishing second to Progressive Conservative Frank Klees.

Jaczek stated that a key issue in the coming campaign is ensuring that funding keeps pace with the rapid growth in the riding.

"Since the McGuinty Liberals came into office, our communities have already greatly improved. In Oak Ridges - Markham, we have benefited from improved public education and better health care," she said. "With the incredible growth in this part of the GTA, there is much more work to be done. The McGuinty Liberals are the only ones who will continue to move forward."

Among her priorities, Jaczek said she will fight to expand Markham - Stouffville Hospital's emergency room, improve public transit and work to protect local green space. Jaczek also recognized the diversity of the community and is committed to building further opportunities for new Canadians.

She spent 18 years as commissioner of health services and medical officer of health with the Region, and has been a strong advocate for improving health and education in the community.

In York schools, Jaczek has also been active for children's health by expanding the range of health promotion programs, including regular dental screenings, nutrition, and immunization programs.

Jaczek said she is running as a McGuinty Liberal because she is proud of the progress the Liberal government has made in local communities, but she added the work can't stop there.

Jaczek said she's hoping for a better outcome this time out, observing that King wasn't part of the riding she sought to represent in '03.

She added she has been assembling a great team and plans to devote a lot of time knocking on doors.

"I can give 100 per cent of my time," she added, pointing out she's retired from her Regional responsibilities.

Jaczek was also speaking positively about her party's chances at the polls.

"We have a record as a government," she observed. "Very solid achievement."

She also pointed to the $5.6 billion deficit the Liberals said was left behind by the Tories.

"Ontario has been turned around," she declared, adding she's confident in the message the party has for people.