Meet Michelle
Thank you for visiting my website.
I’m Michelle Foxton, your Liberal candidate for Lanark–Frontenac in the upcoming federal election.
Born and raised in Sydenham, Ontario, I have deep roots in our community and a lifelong commitment to public service.

How You Can Support My Campaign
A Legacy of Community Engagement
Public service runs in my family. From my grandfather and great-uncle who served on the local school board to my father who dedicated years of service on municipal council and then as Warden of Frontenac County. I am the third generation to step forward and give back to my community. This tradition of civic involvement inspired me to pursue a path of leadership and advocacy.
Breaking Barriers and Leading Locally
In 1993, I became the first female member of the Fort Henry Guard since its establishment in 1938, embracing the challenge of breaking that glass ceiling and championing inclusivity. After completing my BA(Hons) at Queen’s, I obtained my law degree at Windsor, graduating in the top 13 of my class. At 26, while completing my articles, I was elected the youngest councilor to South Frontenac Township Council. My tenure began amidst the ice storm of 1998, where I witnessed firsthand the resilience and unity of our communities. Serving on various committees, including Planning Advisory I learned the importance of listening to residents and understanding the unique character of our towns and rural areas.



Championing Small Business and Legal Advocacy
As a small business owner, I operate a general law practice serving Kingston and the surrounding areas. This experience has given me insight into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and working families, from providing employment to others, to securing childcare and managing rural commutes. Fiscal responsibility is essential, and I believe our government should reflect the same prudence we practice in our businesses and homes.
Advocating for Social Justice
My legal career has included per diem service with the Kingston and Napanee Crown Attorney’s offices, where I’ve seen first-hand issues affecting the homeless, youth, mental health, and addiction. Serving as Chairperson of the local Employment Insurance Board of Referees, I gained a deeper understanding of our social safety nets and the necessity of supporting those in need. Providing dignity, respect, and hope to all citizens enriches our community beyond measure.
Value in Volunteer Work
I have served for over 20 years on the Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada and with the Fort Henry Guard Foundation, which advocate for and support the students who work in the Fort Henry Guard at Kingston, ON. The Guard offers much needed summer employment for students while also providing a unique opportunity to build strong leadership skills. For over a decade I have also served on the Hartington Community Association, which was committed to advocating for responsible and sustainable development in rural areas. Many of the services offered in our rural communities are provided by volunteer organizations. From Hospice care, which my family could have benefited from when my kids were young and my mom fell ill, to home care services and meal programs that keep our seniors in their own homes and communities. Volunteer organizations are a lifeline for our rural communities.
A Personal Commitment to Our Community
Together with my husband, Wade Leonard, we raised our two children next to the family farm in Hartington.
Before becoming a teacher Wade stocked lakes across our province with walleye. We understand the challenges of farm life and regulatory regimes. We also understand the challenges of the tourism industry, having been fortunate to enjoy time at the family cottage on Bob’s Lake, where many American friends have spent their summers boating, fishing and kayaking with us.
Our family is deeply embedded in the fabric of Lanark–Frontenac, and our experiences fuel my dedication to serving you.

A Vision for Lanark–Frontenac
I will bring the values instilled in me of hard work, fiscal responsibility, resiliency and compassion to the job of MP and to Ottawa. I am dedicated to building communities where every individual has the opportunity to flourish. This means ensuring an affordable place to live, safeguarding our environment, having access to quality healthcare and home care, supporting our local businesses and farmers and ensuring government is accessible to you, all while ensuring there is a space for everyone. By focusing on our common values and uniting our efforts across political lines, we can be the change we want to see and create a resilient and prosperous future for all residents of Lanark–Frontenac.
As we approach the next federal election, I am committed to earning your trust and support. Together, let’s forge a brighter future for Lanark–Frontenac.
Our democracy stands at a perilous crossroads. Far-right ideologies threaten the very fabric of our society, undermining the principles of freedom, equality, and justice that define us as Canadians. Simultaneously, the escalating climate crisis endangers our environment, our communities, and the future we envision for our children.
I’m Michelle Foxton, and I’m stepping forward to run for Member of Parliament in Lanark–Frontenac because urgent action is needed now to safeguard our democracy and our planet.
Defending Our Democratic Values
Democracy thrives on active participation and informed engagement. The rise of far-right movements, echoing strategies reminiscent of Donald Trump’s playbook, pose a real and present danger to our nation’s core values.
Leaders like Pierre Poilievre adopt divisive rhetoric and policies that threaten to erode the inclusive and diverse society we’ve worked so hard to build, and representatives like Scott Reid enable this to happen. I refuse to let them marginalize communities with ideologies that sow division and intolerance. I will fight with every last ounce of energy I have to leave this world a better place and our children with the bright future they deserve.
Building Hope for Future Generations
As a mother, I understand the aspirations we hold for our children:
- Homeownership: Creating affordable housing opportunities so they can establish roots in the communities that raised them.
- Meaningful Employment: Fostering a robust economy that offers good jobs and supports local businesses.
- Vibrant Rural Living: Ensuring that rural areas remain viable places to live, work, and raise families.
I am dedicated to developing policies that make these dreams attainable, providing a foundation of hope and opportunity for all.
A Call to Protect Our Planet
The signs of a warming planet are all around us—increasingly severe weather events, disrupted ecosystems, and challenges to our traditional ways of life. I cannot stand by as our environment deteriorates. I am committed to implementing effective, immediate solutions to combat climate change, ensuring that our children inherit a world where they can thrive.
Ensuring Support for All
Everyone deserves the dignity of a safe home and access to essential services. I will advocate for comprehensive support systems that address housing, healthcare, and social services, in a fiscally responsible way, ensuring that no one is left behind and our children can afford the future.
A Commitment to Our Rural Communities
Lanark–Frontenac is my home. I am deeply invested in the well-being of our residents and the prosperity of our region. As your representative, I will:
- Work Diligently: Earning my place through hard work and dedication, not by serving corporate interests.
- Advocate for Solutions: Addressing the unique challenges our communities face with practical, balanced approaches that are informed by listening to them.
- Collaborate Across Party Lines: Building partnerships and forging collaborative relationships to advance policies that benefit us all.
Together, we can create a future where our democracy is robust, our environment is protected, and our communities flourish. I ask for your support as we embark on this journey toward a better tomorrow.
To learn more, please visit my Priorities and Solutions page