ONDP MPP Candidate for Guelph

Dear Survivor,

As a community member in Guelph, I am deeply concerned about the epidemic of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and r**e. The absence of these critical issues from the provincial election debates and local Guelph discussions shows just how far we have to go in taking them seriously. The work that Guelph Women in Crisis has done—fighting for over a year just to get the city to acknowledge the severity of the problem—demonstrates the urgent need for action.

That’s why, as a candidate for the NDP, I was grateful to be contacted by Ending Violence Everywhere (End Violence Everywhere- EVE) and asked to support efforts to raise awareness and build a coalition to address these issues. My partner and I spoke with Cait and Ish from EVE and learned about the incredible initiatives they’re working on, including providing free EMDR therapy for groups of survivors. EMDR is a proven, effective treatment for PTSD, helping survivors reclaim their lives. This kind of therapy would be included in the universal mental health care program proposed in the Ontario NDP platform.

EVE is also advocating for a survivor spa—a space designed for early intervention, healing, and support for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. This is exactly the kind of trauma-informed approach that our court system, healthcare system, and shelters need. The impact of these resources on survivors' well-being would be profound.

I recognize my privilege as a white man in a society that too often silences, dismisses, and obstructs survivors seeking justice. These crimes are overwhelmingly committed by men, and too often, it is men who fail to listen, believe, and take meaningful action. I have committed myself to creating safer spaces where survivors feel empowered to come forward, are believed, and receive the support they need and deserve.

I always approach this work with a survivor-centered lens, knowing how crucial it is that survivors are met with compassion, care, and belief—no matter how they present their experiences. Open communication and safe spaces to share their stories are essential in mitigating trauma. A survivor spa could be a transformative part of this approach.

My understanding of these issues is also deeply personal. My partner is a survivor, and I have walked with her through her healing journey. I have seen firsthand how difficult that path can be—how scarce and inaccessible support services are, how healing is nonlinear, how triggers can arise unexpectedly, and how even sleep offers no escape from trauma. Too often, partners of survivors do not realize the immense challenge of navigating these realities without open communication, trauma-informed understanding, and proper support. Survivors frequently describe feeling like a part of them died the day they were assaulted. The persistent symptoms, shame, and emotional turmoil can feel inescapable, disrupting every facet of life. Without access to therapy, support, and early intervention, IPV, sexual assault, and r**e can become a life sentence of PTSD, narrowing opportunities, relationships, and happiness.

Even if I were not a partner of a survivor, I would still be a steadfast advocate. My PhD in Global Health and Social Medicine has reinforced what I already knew: gendered violence is not only a justice issue—it is a healthcare issue, a housing issue, an education issue, and so much more. It affects survivors, their children, and entire generations through the transmission of trauma. Ending IPV, sexual assault, and r**e must be a priority, and I am committed to doing my part.

In solidarity,

Cameron Spence
Ontario NDP Candidate for Guelph

Today is a day for optimism, for hope, and for change. We can make our lives better by voting. So let's get out there and Vote!

Vote Tomorrow 9am-9pm (or today at the returns office - 292 Speedvale) and then join us at Which Craft to find out which candidate won!

Vote for a leader with integrity and transparency. Vote for Cameron Spence!

When we hear Ford talk about the economy, we never hear him mention workers. Workers are the economy, and the NDP is on the side of workers. We're investing in you, not in the billionaires.

I've posted a full recording of the closed door candidate forum on the housing crisis presented by OnePoint Association of Realtors. I was disappointed that the very people who are most affected by the housing crisis were not invited or involved in this forum.

Contrary to what other candidates stated during the meeting, having a closed door event not open to the public is not democratic. The fact that this was also the only all candidate event where Robert Coole showed up, just makes it more important to provide transparency here.

Part of why the public is losing trust in politics and the political process is because of these closed door meetings. We can all recall the closed door event where Doug Ford promised to open the Greenbelt up for development. Our democratic process is defined by candidate forums, debates and other events meant to inform the general public about the platforms and views of candidates. These meetings should always be open to the public.

To promote honesty and transparency in politics, I've released a full recording of this meeting for the public record.

OnePoint Association Closed Door Candidate Forum Cameron Spence, Ontario NDP Candidate for Guelph, recently participated in a closed door event on the housing crisis hosted by the OnePoint Realtor Associati...

Working on a campaign in winter has been very difficult and we couldn't have done it without our dedicated volunteers! We are all working hard to make life better for Guelphites. Vote Cameron Spence today at the advance polls.