Issues shaping Ontario’s election

As Ontarians head to the polls for the upcoming provincial election on February 27, it is more important than ever for the local business community to stay informed and engaged.

Elections shape the policies that will impact our economy, workforce and communities for years to come.

The Huron Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping members connect with candidates, understand key issues, and mark informed decisions.

“The business community plays a vital role in shaping the economic future of Huron County,” said Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce.

“By engaging in the electoral process, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that policies are developed to support growth and prosperity in our communities.”

Ontario election candidates for Huron-Bruce are Ian Burbridge (Ontario Liberal Party), Bruce Eisen (Alliance), Nick McGregor (Ontario NDP), Lisa Thompson (Ontario PC Party), Matthew Van Ankum (Green Party of Ontario) and Zack Weiler (New Blue Party).

Ian Burbridge (Ontario Liberal Party):

Burbridge comes from small town Ontario. He attended Queen’s University in Kingston studying Music, Mathematics, and Education.

Burbridge moved to Bruce County to teach music and math in the high schools in Kincardine and Port Elgin.

He now lives near the Saugeen River with his wife Sandy, and their three cats, and three dogs.

Protecting climate, natural spaces and agricultural land are all vital priorities for Burbridge.

He continues to work with young musicians at summer music camps and band clinics and has shared his talents with community organizations such as bands in Kincardine and Port Elgin, Kincardine Theatre Guild, Bluewater Playhouse and The Chantry Singers.

“I believe in balance, community, the importance of our natural environment and the need to work together so that we can all excel,” said Burbridge.

“As a musician, I know that the most important skill is listening and I look forward to hearing from you, the people of Huron-Bruce.”

Bruce Eisen (Alliance):

Eisen and Alliance have a 10-point plan towards a better Ontario.

Some of those points include a commitment to the protection of an unabridged freedom of speech, assembly and conscience.

Alliance is opposed to any types of lockdowns and mandated vaccine passports, carbon tax and to any sex education curriculum.

Alliance and Eisen are committed to giving greater control and strengthening the provincial government, by taking its provincial autonomy and powers back from Ottawa’s Federal Government.

Nick McGregor (Ontario NDP):

McGregor grew up in Clinton and now lives in Varna.

As a high school teacher in Goderich and a proud member of OSSTF District 8, he has spent his career standing up for students, educators and families.

McGregor believes every child deserves a strong public education and every family deserves quality healthcare close to home.

He is committed to keeping rural emergency rooms open by restoring hospital funding and ensuring more doctors and nurses serve the community.

McGregor will fight for farmland protection, stopping developers from paving over the land that feeds us and ensuring family farms can thrive for generations.

As a director with Huron County Pride, McGregor helped organize the first-ever Pride festival in the region, working to build a more inclusive community.

With an Honours BA in History and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, McGregor is ready to stand up for Huron-Bruce and fight for a better Ontario.

Lisa Thompson (Ontario PC Party):

Thompson was first elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Huron-Bruce in October 2011.

She was re-elected in June 2014, June 2018, and June 2022.

In the 2018 and 2022 provincial election, Thompson carried more than 50 per cent of the vote.

Thompson has served as Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs since June 2024. She has also served in Premier Ford’s cabinet as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, Ontario’s Registrar General and Minister of Education.

Additional to her parliamentary roles, Thompson was honoured to represent Ontario for nine years in the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians – Canada Region organization, serving as chair from 2020-2023.

Thompson was born and raised near Wingham in Huron County but now calls Bruce County home as she lives near Teeswater on a farm that has been in her husband’s family for 124 years.

She is a graduate of the University of Guelph and is also an alumnus of Class 6 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.

Before entering politics, Thompson served as the General Manager of the Ontario Dairy Goat Cooperative (ODGC).

Thompson has a long history of being an active and engaged citizen, working with many rural community organizations.

She is a past Chair of the Ontario 4-H Foundation and served as Vice-Chair of Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. (now known as Agscape).

Matthew Van Ankum (Green Party of Ontario):

Van Ankum grew up on a farm in Howick Township, the middle child of a Dutch immigrant family.

His father, a plant biologist and his mother a nurse, instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature and a caring approach to life.

Alongside his wife, Danielle, and their two sons and their dogs, Van Ankum continues to farm, raising small-frame, grass-based cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens.

Over the years, his farming practices have evolved with a strong focus on sustainability.

Beyond farming, Van Ankum is an advocate for a more representative electoral system, believing that power in parliaments should better reflect the diversity of votes.

Zack Weiler (New Blue Party):

The New Blue Party was established to offer solutions to ensure Ontario’s future is one of hope, opportunity and prosperity.

New Blue and Weiler believe that government should demonstrate accountability, transparency, and integrity while acting in best interests of its citizens.

Weiler stands for liberty, as best promoted through the ability of individuals to make decisions in their own interests and encouraging free will.

New Blue Party stands for self-reliance and enjoying the fruits of one’s own labour, strong families in which parents are the primary educators, the dignity of human life from conception to natural death and recognizing the importance of Ontario’s heritage and balancing any possible benefits against the costs of change.

To find out how and where to vote, visit Huron Chamber of Commerce's website for more information.

With notes from the Huron Chamber of Commerce and each party’s website.