A military mom and MPP reflects

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For JENNIE STEVENS, Remembrance Day is personal and political.

The NDP’s critic for Veterans, Legions and Military Affairs and two-term MPP for St. Catharines is not only in charge of holding the government to account on policy for veterans — she’s also mother to an active service member: JONATHAN LINDAL, first petty officer currently posted to the Naval Fleet School in Halifax as a senior combat information instructor, where he teaches naval tactics to future fleets.

In an interview, Stevens talks about what it’s like having a son in uniform, where the Ford government is falling short for veterans, and how Ontarians can honour those who served today. (Lightly edited for length and clarity.)

What does Remembrance Day mean to you? It’s very near and dear to my heart. As I mentioned in my speaking notes on Remembrance Day in the House [last week], I come from a very strong military family.

Tell us more about your son. Jonathan has been serving in the Canadian Navy for ov…