“That’s a disturbing trend,” says Leal in a telephone interview with peacefulcommunities.ca from his Peterborough home.

“Over the next four years it will be our collective responsibility to bring people back into the political process, to engage them. It is troublesome to me” that only 52 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots, says the MPP-elect.

“People re-engaging in discussions about the political process -- I think that’s peace-building.”

Leal says he would support the government investigating new ideas in electoral reform, to hear about other options for the province to make the political process more appealing and as fair as possible. “We should canvas province-wide” on this topic, says Leal.

Leal says he is winding down his city councillor duties this week and his work as an MPP will begin soon, once the transitions have occurred. “Out of courtesy and respect for Mr. (Gary) Stewart, it will be a couple of weeks yet” before Leal’s office is up and running.

As for the new government’s overall focus with the new mandate, Leal sees it as one of bringing respect to groups in Ontario that might currently feel marginalized. He singles out nurses and teachers as examples.

On a local level, Leal wants to see resources for police officers, additional correctional service officers and more crown attorneys. “People are waiting too long for cases to be heard. We need justice to be heard on both sides.”

Leal says there is economic justice, too, which has to be considered. “The cost of living for those living on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Network) and Ontario Works has to be improved,” he says.

“This also has to do with creating a peaceful community – taking care of those who may need assistance.”

Leal has spent the last 17 years on Peterborough city council.

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