As voters across the country prepare to head to the polls, the race in Parry Sound-Muskoka is shaping up to be one of continuity versus change, with affordability, housing and economic stability taking centre stage.
Conservative incumbent Scott Aitchison is seeking a third term as Member of Parliament, campaigning on his record and familiarity with the riding, which has historically leaned conservative.
“There’s not another candidate in Parry Sound-Muskoka who knows Parry Sound-Muskoka as well as I do,” Aitchison said.
The former Huntsville mayor emphasized cost-of-living concerns, echoing federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s criticism of the carbon tax.
“We need to make life more affordable. And frankly, things like the carbon tax were particularly punishing for people that live in small rural communities like ours here in Parry Sound-Muskoka,” Aitchison said.
He also called for inter-provincial trade barriers to be minimized to withstand Trump’s tariffs. “The more we trade with each other the wealthier we will be.”
Liberal candidate Geordie Sabbagh, a local business owner, is making his first run on the ballot and hopes to flip the traditionally conservative riding by focusing on housing and positioning the Liberals as the steady hand in uncertain times.
“I think it’s one of the most important elections in my lifetime, if not all of ours, and it was really important that Parry Sound-Muskoka be represented,” Sabbagh said. “I believe Mark Carney is the best choice to lead us forward in this turmoil against Donald Trump. We need to become an international country, as well as a great Canadian one.”
NDP candidate Heather Hay says she is campaigning to put the working class first. “We have a lot of rich tourists coming up and taking over our properties, making it almost impossible for housing. We need a housing initiative that supports the average worker,” Hay said.
The local farmer and psychotherapist running in her second election. “I’ve worked with the marginalized members of our community and their voices are not being represented in Ottawa,” Hay added. “I think I’m the best person to make sure those voices are heard.”
Rounding out the ballot is Isabel Pereira from the People’s Party of Canada. The Green Party does not have a candidate for Parry Sound-Muskoka in this election.
