Know your riding — Canada Votes 2025: Haldimand—Norfolk

• Read all of CBC Hamilton's coverage of the federal election here. 

With a population of around 116,706, Haldimand—Norfolk includes all of Norfolk County and most of Haldimand County.

The area is highly dependent on agriculture and manufacturing, with dairy and tobacco making up a big part of the agriculture sector of the region.

The riding includes Hagersville, Dunnville, Simcoe, Delhi and Caledonia, home of a land dispute with the Six Nations community.

Haldimand—Norfolk has been a Conservative Party stronghold since 2004 when Diane Finley was elected, beating Liberal Bob Speller, who held the seat since 1988.

In 2021, Conservative Leslyn Lewis won the riding by 12,440 votes after Finley resigned. Lewis is seeking reelection this April 28.

CBC Hamilton sent a survey to major party candidates, or their party representatives. Their responses, edited for length and clarity, are reflected below in alphabetical order by the candidate's last name.

Henry Geissler, PPC

Henry Geissler did not respond to CBC Hamilton's survey before publication. 

He's described on his website as someone who "stands for the core values of freedom, personal responsibility, respect, and fairness."

Nate Hawkins, Green

Nate Hawkins, 53, is a general labourer and filmmaker.

He said he's "just a normal every day average Canadian that has many concerns with the direction our country is going."

If elected, Hawkins said he will "never lose sight of the everyday, hard-working, Canadian values that have made Canada strong, prosperous, and free for over 150 years."

"[I] will continue to use my voice to advocate for the environment, agriculture, healthcare, education, and industry," he said.

Shannon Horner-Shepherd, NDP

Shannon Horner-Shepherd, 52, is a steelworker at a Stelco mill in Nanticoke, Ont.

She said she's a longtime resident of the riding, and thinks Haldimand—Norfolk "deserves fair and authentic representation by a candidate that can relate to the unique issues that surround rural ridings."

Horner-Shepherd worked in the agriculture industry, where she said she learned her appreciation for farmers who "ensure food security for all Canadians," and has worked at the steel mill for 27 years. She's also a single mother of four adult children, she said, one of them has "complex special needs."

"I understand the challenges that families face and that each person has unique needs," she said, and added she's a candidate who can relate to residents of the riding.

"The riding deserves a representative that has the same lived experiences as its constituents, someone who knows that we will all prosper in Haldimand-Norfolk when we have a representative that hears you, sees you and is truly one of you," she said.

Leslyn Lewis, Conservative

Lewis, 54, was a lawyer and owned her own firm before stepping into politics. She was also an educator.

"I've always prioritized listening to and advocating for the concerns of our hardworking families, farmers, and businesses," she said about her years as an MP.

Lewis said Canada needs a new government after "devastating" Liberal policies "have made us less prosperous, less free, and less safe." She also says she's come to appreciate, after growing up with immigrant parents "the fundamental values and freedoms that Canada offers." 

"I'm dedicated to fighting for policies that will restore Canada's promise, changes that will reduce the cost of living, support our local economy, and ensure safe neighbourhoods," she said.

Lewis said she wants to continue her advocacy for farmers, workers, and families and restore "prosperity and safety in our community."

Colin Walsh, Liberal

Colin Walsh, 48, is a French immersion teacher for grades seven and eight.

He said he "urges" people to vote for him, "because your support for me is a vote for Mark Carney."

Walsh said the people of Haldimand-Norfolk need Carney's expertise.

"Additionally, I live, work, and raise my family right here in our community. I'm not seeking a political career; I'm running to ensure our community has a strong voice at the federal level," he said.

Also running:

• Lily Eggink, Christian Heritage Party of Canada: small business owner.