By Angie Sullivan
The atmosphere was casual and welcoming at the York-Simcoe Provincial By-Election Meet and Greet held at the Link in Sutton on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tables were set up with brochures and information sheets, and about 40 people attended to chat and ask questions in the casual setting. All seven candidates on the ballot were present.
Hot topics included government spending, Trump’s tariffs, affordable housing, the rising cost of living, and climate change.
Georgina Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director Jennifer Anderson said, “With such a tight turnaround for this election, we chose to do a Meet and Greet instead. It was the perfect opportunity for voters to come out, meet the candidates in an informal setting, ask questions and make an informed decision before they head to the polls.”
Gerry Auger, Ontario Party candidate, is focused on community engagement and promises weekly town halls.
“These meetings, in my opinion, would be held in local restaurants and pubs in the communities throughout the riding. At least one event every weekend to gather as a community and raise, identify, and discuss local priorities and concerns,” said Auger.
Sean Conroy, the Libertarian candidate, is very concerned about the cost of living.
“I would work to lower everyday costs. Between rising utility rates, administrative fees, and taxes, the cost of keeping doors open keeps climbing. We advocate for reducing the provincial tax burden and eliminating redundant fees so owners can keep more of what they earn to reinvest directly into their employees, facilities, and local economy,” said Conroy.
Naomi Davidson, Liberal candidate, is passionate about “cutting the waste” and spending government money in the right place.
“I will advocate for investments in the infrastructure that supports economic growth — including transportation, transit, health care, and community infrastructure — while supporting housing choices that allow employees, young people, and families to afford to live in the communities where they work,” said Davidson.
David Ghobrial, New Blue Party candidate, said, “If elected, I will advocate for a government that makes it easier—not harder—to start, operate, and grow a business. That means reducing unnecessary red tape and regulatory burdens, keeping taxes competitive, accelerating infrastructure improvements, and ensuring that our communities have the roads, transportation, broadband, energy, and other infrastructure necessary for businesses to thrive.”
The PC Party candidate, Susan Lahey, said, “Our Ontario PC team has taken decisive action to lower the everyday costs of running a business. This includes cutting the small business tax by 30 per cent, scrapping burdensome red tape and putting more money back in the pocket of employers so they can invest in new equipment, expand their operations and create good-paying jobs.”
Bobby Nikmard, candidate from the New Democratic Party, said, “I understand the challenges we face, from grocery bills that are too high, to housing costs that have become unaffordable. I believe every student deserves a quality education, backed by the funding needed for their success.”
Matt Pearce, Green Party candidate, is focused on the health of Lake Simcoe and preserving farmland.
“Protecting our riding’s huge agricultural sector is a main platform of the Green Party. Creating a food belt, giving legal protection to agricultural lands. Part of that is ensuring farmers have the tools and supports they need to thrive. That policy needs to be drafted by the farmers themselves and taken to Queen’s Park and Ottawa,” said Pearce.
Election day is Sept. 3 and advance voting is underway. Learn more about our local candidates at https://www.georginachamber.com/elections.
- Meeting the York-Simcoe Provincial by-election Candidates at the Link - August 27, 2026
- The Sutton Fair & Horse Show and 169 years of fun and community - August 23, 2026
- Farm Fresh and Full of Fun: Field to Table in Georgina - August 22, 2026
