On Saturday, Kingston’s newest federal election candidate will hit the streets, going door-to-door in Skeleton Park to meet her potential constituents.
Daria Adèle Juüdi-Hope was nominated on March 7 as the federal Kingston and the Islands NDP candidate. If elected, Juüdi-Hope will represent the interests of Kingston locals and Queen’s students in Ottawa.
Following almost a decade as a nurse and health care advocate, Juüdi-Hope is stepping into the political arena. In her career, Juüdi-Hope realized many issues stemmed from policy, and she hopes to implement changes which will improve Canadians’ quality of life.
“I feel I’ve ed the right party to remain a community advocate. This is a party that champions similar causes I have always championed,” Juüdi-Hope said in an interview with The Journal.
Advocating for environmental intervention, ing pharmacare, and pushing affordability are all at the top of Juüdi-Hope’s docket. Collaboration between all three levels of government is key, Juüdi-Hope said.
Having completed her Master’s in Public Health at Queen’s, Juüdi-Hope served as the Chair of Kingston’s Health Providers Against Poverty and the Co-chair of the Black Nurses Leading Change Interest Group. She’s remained involved with Queen’s, sitting on University Council.
For Juüdi-Hope, the NDP is the party representing students’ interests, from mental health to affordable housing.
“I’m aware of the challenges students face because regardless of moving from home and settling in Kingston for studies, you deal with housing affordability issues, financial insecurity as well as food insecurity,” Juüdi-Hope said.
“I will keep on seeing ways programs or resources can be put in place to students. Whoever we elect in Kingston, in all governments, impacts the condition of your education, as well as your health and wellness as a student,” she added.
Juüdi-Hope’s family immigrated to Kingston from the Democratic Republic of the Congo when she was a teenager. With a large and diverse family behind her, Juüdi-Hope has built her life in Canada.
Growing up, Hotel Dieu, Kingston General Hospital, and Martha’s Table were Juüdi-Hope’s “hubs” and through her volunteering, she discovered her ion for helping others.
“I myself was a client of Martha’s Table, so being able to evolve and serve the clients back when my family was able to, that’s how it started. When I’m doing better, I help others,” Juüdi-Hope said.
A foster parent, avid gardener, and a lifelong learner, Juüdi-Hope is optimistic about her campaign. She encourages students to get involved in politics, and when the time comes, to cast their ballot.
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