Join us for a night of networking with influential politicians and FREE PIZZA!
This is a free event, with limited seating so be sure to secure your spot, above.
You are invited to an evening of engaging discussions and networking opportunities with prominent politicians. This event is an excellent chance for you to connect with influential leaders, learn about their experiences, and gain valuable insights into the world of politics and public service.
Ask questions, and build connections that could shape your future endeavors, with politicians including:
Enjoy complimentary pizza and refreshments while engaging in meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals. Plus, participants will receive a free tote bag (pictured)! The bar will be open for 19+ students to purchase drinks.
Dress code encouraged: Business Casual. Bring business cards if available.
MPP Members of Provincial Parliament, Members of Provincial Parliament represent residents on a provincial level.
MP Member of Parliament, Federal Members of Parliament represent residents of the City on a federal level, in the House of Commons.
Mayor Mat Siscoe
Mayor Mat Siscoe, currently serving the 2022 to 2026 term in St. Catharines, brings a wealth of experience as a city councilor since 2010 and a recent appointment to the regional council. With a background in Mining and Mineral Engineering from Queen's University and an education degree from the University of Ottawa, he possesses a diverse skill set, including qualifications in Math, General Science, and Physics.
Mayor Siscoe's tenure is marked by a commitment to address pressing issues in St. Catharines, such as the affordable housing crisis and the opioid epidemic. His plans include expanding housing units, implementing solutions for the opioid crisis, providing public access to snow plow GPS data, introducing online portals for business facilitation, and modernizing the building department. Additionally, he emphasizes improved communication with residents through more frequent telephone town halls and a collaborative approach with the provincial government to ensure the city's best interests are prioritized in achieving housing goals.
Lord Mayor Garry Zalepa
Lord Mayor Garry Zalepa is the current Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. Starting as a Town Councilor from 2008 to 2014, he later transitioned to the Regional level, serving as the Town's Regional Councilor for the past four years. With extensive committee involvement, including chairing key committees, Lord Mayor Zalepa prioritizes fiscal responsibility, focusing on the town's long-term capital budget sustainability.
His leadership encompasses a proposed $10.3 million capital budget, addressing critical infrastructure projects and emphasizing the expansion of successful youth programs introduced in 2023. Looking ahead to 2024, Lord Mayor Zalepa's priorities include creative approaches to affordable housing and leveraging available town-owned land for development
MP Vance Badawey
MP Vance Badawey is a dedicated Canadian politician representing Niagara Centre and currently serving as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport. Elected in 2015, MP Badawey has a rich political history, having previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and as the Chair of the House Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities.
With a strong focus on environmental sustainability, he also held the role of Vice-Chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, actively working to protect the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Before entering federal politics, MP Badawey began his public service career as a city councillor in Port Colborne, eventually serving multiple terms as Mayor from 1997 to 2003 and again from 2006 to 2014. MP Badawey's extensive experience and leadership in various roles underscore his commitment to public service and community.
MPP Jennie Stevens
MPP Jennie Stevens serves as the Member of Provincial Parliament for the City of St. Catharines, a position she secured on June 7, 2018. With a lifelong connection to St. Catharines, MPP Stevens has dedicated 15 years as a city councillor for Merritton Ward, providing her with valuable knowledge and experience. Her commitment extends beyond provincial politics; prior to her successful election in 2018, MPP Stevens actively contributed to local governance as a member of the St. Catharines Budget Committee and served on noteworthy boards such as the Merritton Athletic Association and the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre. MPP Stevens’ advocacy focuses on making St. Catharines more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for its residents.
MPP Sam Oosterhoff
MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction, is recognized for his leadership in addressing diverse issues such as anti-human trafficking, French-language education, student transportation, and reducing government regulatory burdens. He successfully advocated for the Compassionate Care Act, a landmark palliative care framework in Ontario, enacted in December 2020.
MPP Oosterhoff actively supports rural development, emphasizing critical investments, infrastructure projects, and housing initiatives in smaller communities like Niagara West. Collaborating with municipal leaders, he aims to attract investments, create jobs, improve local services, and develop essential infrastructure. The province's upcoming rollout of infrastructure funding, directed at municipalities meeting housing targets, reflects MPP Oosterhoff's commitment to supporting and incentivizing local communities in their growth and prosperity.
Mayor Terry Ugulini
Mayor Terry Ugulini, elected to lead Thorold in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, brings a robust background in skilled trades and municipal governance. Having retired as an Instrumentation and Control Technician after 26 years at Resolute Forest Products, he served as President/Business Manager of IBEW: Local 914 for 22 years and previously as a Thorold City Councilor from 2014 to 2018. Currently, as Regional Councilor, he actively contributes to committees, including Public Works and Planning, Economic Development, and the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee.
Mayor Ugulini’s mayoral focus revolves around steering Thorold through a period of growth, particularly in commercial and industrial sectors. Priorities include economic development, business expansion, and addressing challenges such as the 2023 budget amidst inflation pressures. Infrastructure upgrades, recreational amenities, transit expansion, and affordable housing solutions are central to his agenda, emphasizing collaboration with regional partners and seeking support from higher levels of government to address broader social issues.
MP Chris Bittle
MP Chris Bittle is a passionate Canadian politician representing St. Catharines. Graduating from Queen's University in 2002 and later obtaining his Law Degree from the University of Windsor in 2005, MP Bittle returned to his community to practice law as a civil litigator. In 2015, he was elected as Member of Parliament and has since been a vocal advocate against intolerance, racism, and bigotry.
Appointed Deputy House Leader of the Government in the House of Commons by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, MP Bittle is the youngest MP to hold that position. He has played key roles as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transportation in 2019 and currently as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, focusing on addressing the housing crisis and contributing to significant initiatives for St. Catharines residents, including public transit, affordable housing, and poverty reduction programs.
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