Prominent Black business leader to run for NDP in Brampton South

Horwath welcomes Andria Barrett to Ontario New Democrats’ powerhouse Peel team
BRAMPTON — NDP Leader Andrea Horwath announced Wednesday that Andria Barrett, a prominent Black business leader, will be running for Ontario’s New Democrats in Brampton South in 2022.
Barrett is also a SheEO Activator, a former member of the Brampton Mayor’s COVID 19 Economic Support Task Force, an active investor supporting women entrepreneurs, and serves on the boards of the Culinary Tourism Alliance, Canadian SME and PACE (Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education). And in 2021, Canadian SME named Barrett one of the Most Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders.

“I am thrilled to welcome Andria to the NDP’s powerhouse Brampton team,” said Horwath. “Andria’s experience advocating for Black businesses, women entrepreneurs and local job-creators will be an incredible asset as our New Democrat government charts Ontario’s economic recovery from the pandemic.
“Now, more than ever, people need a government that’s on their side — and that is especially true in Brampton. I believe in Brampton. With Andria and the rest of the Brampton team, we’ll win the fight and make sure this community finally gets its fair share – including three Brampton hospitals, more investment into Brampton schools, and the support Brampton entrepreneurs deserve.”
Horwath and Barrett were joined by NDP MPPs Gurratan Singh (Brampton East), Sara Singh (Brampton Centre) and Kevin Yarde (Brampton North).
“I’m ready and raring to join the fight to finally get our community its fair share — including health care funding, support for our children and youth, and recognition for our local working folks and entrepreneurs,” said Barrett.
“Brampton has been left behind by Liberals and Conservatives for decades. Our population boomed while government after government didn’t want to spend the money to support our growth. We have persisted through all of that — and I know Brampton will reach its fullest potential with a government ready to champion our community. No leader has fought for Brampton like Andrea Horwath, which is why I’m running for the New Democrats in Brampton South.”
The NDP had a strong showing in Brampton South in the 2018 provincial election, coming within striking distance in a close race between the NDP and the Conservatives. Barrett will be acclaimed as the NDP candidate for Brampton South at a nomination meeting June 19. The Ontario NDP holds open nominations in every riding. The nomination period in Brampton South has now closed.