Know your riding — Canada Votes 2025: Hamilton Centre

Hamilton Centre encompasses the city's downtown area and includes the Hamilton Harbour, north of the Niagara Escarpment, between Highway 403 and Parkdale Avenue/the Red Hill Valley Parkway. The riding also includes a large industrial area in the harbour, while the eastern and southern parts of the riding are residential.

Hamilton Centre's boundaries changed slightly since the 2021 federal election, it now includes Princess Point and extends further east to Parkdale Avenue.

The riding has been a New Democratic Party stronghold since 2004 when it was created. The NDP's David Christopherson defeated the Liberal's Stan Keyes by over 5,000 votes then.

Christopherson held the seat until 2019 when he retired. Then city councillor Matthew Green won the seat and has remained in it since. He is running for re-election on April 28.

Hamilton Centre has a population of 126,188, most of which are renters. The median household income is $62,400.

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

Sandy Crawley, Green

Sandy Crawley, 77, is a self-employed actor and musician.

He said people should vote for him "to bring the most relevant perspective to bear on our collective challenges."

He said he wants to "encourage the creative sector in a city that is ready for a shift from dependency on its industrial base towards a more diversified economic base."

Matthew Green, NDP

Green, 44, served as a councillor in Hamilton's Ward 3 from 2014 to 2018. Before stepping into politics, Green owned a gym on Ottawa Street. He was also the executive director of the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion.

He says as a resident of the riding and with his experience as a councillor and MP, he has a knowledgeable understanding of the challenges residents face.

He said he's been a "vocal advocate" during his time as MP for programs including house funding, emergency support payments for seniors and those earning a low income, etc.

"Hamilton Centre deserves to have a strong and experienced representative in Parliament, someone you know and who you can trust. No matter which party forms the next government, I'm ready to get back to work and remain focused on holding the government to account," he said.

Hayden Lawrence, Conservative

Hayden Lawerece, 27, is a law clerk who specialized in small claims. He was also a corporate partnerships manager for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Forge FC.

He said he's a "fresh and strong conservative voice rooted in the values of hard work, fiscal responsibility and community building."

I'm committed to fighting for lower taxes, eliminating wasteful spending, increasing housing availability, and making life affordable for all generations," he said.

He said he wants to use his previous work and life experience to represent the riding.

"Hamilton Centre is just getting by when we should be getting ahead," he said.

Aslam Rana, Liberal

Aslam Rana, 52, is a civil engineer and said he's worked on major infrastructure projects in the GTHA.

He said his experience has given him the expertise to work on challenges like "housing affordability, infrastructure and economic growth."

Rana also said he wants to fight for the city's steel industry amid "reckless tariffs"

"For years, NDP and Conservative politicians have taken Hamilton for granted without delivering results. It's time for a new voice—one who is practical, solutions-driven and ready to get things done," he said.

Rana said he wants to repair the riding's roads, "expand public transit and modernize Hamilton's infrastructure."

He also said he will "push for federal grants and investment in subsidized housing to help families and individuals find stable homes."

David Speicher, People's Party of Canada

David Speicher is a molecular virologist. During the pandemic, he conducted research on the COVID-19 vaccine which, he said, led to a motion in an Australian town calling the immediate suspension of the vaccine.

The Australian Associated Press' FactCheck debunked the research early last year.

"I am running because I don't believe that life's basic needs are too much," Speicher said.

He said he would focus on making healthcare and housing more accessible, revitalizing the economy by lowering taxes and cutting red tape for small businesses, and ensuring fairness across economic policy.

He also wants to support "vaccine-injured" and "pandemic-marginalized" individuals. Additionally, Speicher said he's committed to protecting Canadians' rights and freedoms, including firearm ownership, environmental sustainability, and the "sanctity of life, including the unborn."

Also running:

• Carla Green, No Affiliation: Information about Green could not be found online.
• Michael Loomans, No Affiliation: Loomans says on his website he wants to see underpopulated land used for urban expansion and wants to help businesses remain competitive. 
• Cody Chenier, Parti Rhinocéros Party: Chenier is a comedian.