Scarborough Southwest federal byelection 2026: Centrist Party candidate Lyall Sanders answers our questions

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this byelection?

As a person who is of Métis descent, whose ancestral roots are in what is now Scarborough (my grandfather owned a pharmacy on Kingston Road) I am pleased to have the opportunity to run to be the Member of Federal Parliament representing our area.

I am a long time teacher, businessman, entertainer and volunteer having spent most of my life attempting to make the lives of others better.

As an MP, my ability to do so would be greatly expanded, assisting the many in my area to improve their day-to-day existence.

QUESTION 2: What do you see as the top local issues that will be on the minds of Scarborough Southwest voters as they head into this byelection taking place less than a year after the previous federal election?

The issues definitely include the affordability of living in our country.

Taxes take a substantial amount of our income, so making the best use of them is important to improve our way of living. Lowering them, but continuing to provide the critical services to the people, is a key to our quality of life.

Security is also of concern, with the ability to provide it for ourselves and those around us including increased public safety. Creating good opportunities for youth will decrease crime, and ensuring the economy is strong by supporting Canadian industries will mean that jobs are available.

Making sure that our purchasing power reinvests money within Canada, will strengthen the fiscal capacity of our society.

QUESTION 3: What are the key national issues now facing Canadians and how can you and your party have an impact on them?

The Sovereignty and Unity of Canada is important to not only make our country strong and stable, but to then allow us to be of assistance to others when the occasion arises. Your own house must have a good, solid foundation before you can be of help to those around you.

Making proper use of our resources, natural and production wise, will provide better prosperity for everyone who lives, works or invests here.

Further, our healthcare system, though “universal” is allowing many to fall through the cracks. People (especially the elderly) are not getting the care that they need. This has to be changed by examining the weaknesses and correcting the problems (excessive wait times and restrictive access to medication to be specific).

By focusing attention on Canadian produced energy, domestically manufactured goods and improved healthcare, we will increase the quality of life in Canada.

QUESTION 4: How can and will you work with the provincial government and Toronto’s city government to make life better for Scarborough Southwest residents?

The provincial government must return appropriate funds to Toronto to support not only our everyday citizens, but those who live outside the city and work here.

In addition, our healthcare system has to be fixed by properly funding care and treatment.

Toronto must become more fiscally responsible thereby guaranteeing that the entire city, including Scarborough as a whole and Scarborough Southwest specifically, gets the money required to grow and prosper.

The end goal is to support business, provide excellent services for the residents (such as building and maintaining efficient transportation) as well as making sure that we work together to produce the best results for everyone concerned, young and old.

I will work hard, putting all of my effort into accomplishing these crucial goals.