Meet the 3 candidates who could make history if elected in Windsor-Essex

Three women of colour are running in three ridings in Windsor-Essex in this Ontario election, and history could be made if any one of them is elected.

The ridings of Essex, Windsor–West and Windsor Tecumseh have never had a Black or South Asian woman in the seat.

Representation in politics is integral for Canadians because women of colour have a more intimate understanding of the needs and challenges faced in racialized communities, said Meagan Auer, a sessional instructor at the University of Windsor who teaches women, gender and politics.

However, racialized women will face more unique barriers on the campaign trail than racialized men or white women in those positions, she said. 

"Racialized women are going to experience racism and sexism on the campaign trail in really overt ways," said Auer. 

"They're also going to experience it through more subtle ways, like the way that we evaluate the suitability of them for office through the use of things like gender stereotypes and racist stereotypes."

Voters in these three ridings have never seen a woman of colour as MPP, which may prove to be a barrier at the ballot box, or they may vote for a party leader rather than the local candidate, said Auer. 

"We've never seen anyone, any women of colour elected in these ridings and not seeing that, I think, has an impact on the idea that women of colour and racialized people would be successful as candidates." 

Here's what the candidates had to say: 

Manpreet Brar has entered politics for the first time, as the Liberal candidate in Essex. The IT professional and community volunteer is a mother of two who has lived with her husband and family in LaSalle since 1997. 

On the campaign trail, Brar said, constituents ask a lot about her South Asian background.

"People in Essex, they are really lovely, they're really welcoming, they're really inclusive, but you know, I do find some hesitance when it comes to position of MPP because I have to work hard to develop that trust and understanding with the residents. 

"As a woman, I have two jobs — one is being mother taking care of kids and raising family, the other a career woman. It is always a balance. Now in this [election], it's nothing different."

Brar is up against well-known and experienced politicians in the area in school board trustee Ron LeClair for the NDP and former Amherstburg deputy mayor Anthony Leardi for the PCs.