Sandra Pupatello — Candidate, Windsor-West

Sanra Pupatello knew from a young age she wanted to be involved in politics.

She watched the news with her family when she was little. When she was 14, she saw then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau speak in Windsor.

Then one of her high school teachers mentioned Herb Gray, a Member of Parliament, was looking for volunteers. 

Once Pupatello started as a volunteer she worked on every campaign she could. Working with Gray allowed her to check out all the other parties, which helped her realize she fit in best with the Liberal Party of Canada.

Pupatello attended Assumption College Catholic High School and then graduated with a degree from the University of Windsor in the late 1980s. 

Sandra was the MPP representing Windsor from 1995 to 2007.

In 1996 she won the Charlie Clark award for outstanding service from the University of Windsor.  In 2003 she won the Windsor Woman of the Year Award. 

 “From a federal national perspective we need to have a government that has a plan for climate change,” said Pupatello, noting the controversial subject as one of her platform goals.

Pupatello served four terms as the Liberal MPP and then left politics to serve on many local boards.

According to Pupatello, working in the private sector gave her a really good insight into what a business community needs to flourish.

 “All that history now is going to make me a much better MP for Windsor,” Pupatello said. “The local guy has been there for 17 years as your MP and he has no list of what he’s delivered because he’s never had the opportunity through the government and his party does not have that opportunity now.” 

Pupatelo said Windsor needs somebody who has access to the party. 

Her decision to run in this election was not apparent until late in the summer and surprised many people, after previous reports said she was no longer interested in politics.