Trent University student Ava Becker throws her hat into the ring for the NDP in Northumberland-Clarke

It is easy to forget the current federal election is not just about the party leaders. While a majority of attention focuses on them, local candidates should play an essential role when voting. At least, that's the theory. Yet, it is understandable with all the American tariffs and threats to Canada. Still, there are local issues. Qualifications, affordability, housing, and more are vital. So is asking direct questions about how local candidates will serve the residents of the Northumberland-Clarke riding. Here is the second candidate interview, with NDP candidate Ava Becker. The order of airing is determined by when the campaigns scheduled their interviews. The NDP was second.