Silvia Gualtieri, a longtime insurance worker and key figure in the local political scene, is running for provincial office in Mississauga East—Cooksville.
Gualtieri, an office manager for Gualtieri Insurance and Financial Services, has been with the family business for over 30 years. A Progressive Conservative (PC) candidate, her background in insurance and financial services, combined with her political experience, positions her as a prominent candidate in the provincial election set on February 27.
She is the sister of Rudy Cuzzetto, the PC Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Mississauga—Lakeshore. Her son-in-law is Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown. The familial connections add an interesting layer to the upcoming race, especially given the tense political dynamics between Gualtieri’s political allies and opponents.
Her rival in this race is Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, who previously served as the mayor of Mississauga. Crombie’s campaign in Missisauga East – Cooksville is heavily focused on defeating Premier Doug Ford, and she has repeatedly refrained from engaging in personal rivalries, particularly her history with Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.
Gualtieri has emphasized her longstanding ties to the local community, particularly her work within Mississauga. She has expressed a commitment to bringing forward key projects, such as the Hazel McCallion Line and a new Mississauga Hospital.
She also addressed criticisms of Crombie’s leadership, including her tenure as Mississauga mayor, and the tax hikes implemented under her watch. Gualtieri’s platform seeks to position her as an advocate for fiscal responsibility and community development.
Mississauga East—Cooksville, which does not currently have an incumbent following the exit of former MPP Kaleed Rasheed, has become a focal point in this election due to the competing interests of Mississauga and Brampton, both of which are significant municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area.
The race between Gualtieri and Crombie is set against a backdrop of historical regional tensions, particularly around the issue of regional governance.
With her deep roots in the community and experience in the insurance sector, Gualtieri brings a distinct perspective to this election. If elected, she could serve as a significant voice for the people of Mississauga, balancing the city’s priorities with the broader needs of the province.
