Barrie Chamber of Commerce President Urges Canadians to Vote

Salim Bardai, President of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, encouraged Canadians to exercise their right to vote during the ongoing federal election campaign. Speaking to Simcoe Community Media following the Barrie South–Innisfil candidates' forum, Bardai reflected on his personal experience as the son of immigrants, recalling how his father impressed upon him the importance of voting when he cast his first ballot in 1988.

"Every vote counts," Bardai said. "Being able to vote is one of the greatest privileges we have in this country."

The all-candidates event, organized by the Chamber, featured John Brassard (Conservative), John Olthuis (Liberal), and Mark Sampson (People’s Party of Canada). NDP candidate Andrew Harrigan was not in attendance.

Candidates presented their platforms and addressed key issues, including economic growth, business support, interprovincial trade barriers, procurement policies, and affordability concerns. Brassard emphasized tax reform, budget control, and expanding the energy sector. Olthuis focused on nation-building infrastructure, internal trade liberalization, and environmental initiatives. Sampson outlined the People's Party's commitment to debt reduction, free trade agreements, and smaller government.

Conservative candidate John Brassard highlighted his party’s plan to scrap the consumer carbon tax permanently and repeal the industrial carbon tax to tackle affordability challenges. He stressed removing interprovincial trade barriers, arguing it would significantly boost Canada's GDP. Brassard also proposed reforms to Canada’s tax code, seeking input from business owners, farmers, and workers to simplify taxation and encourage investment. He emphasized expanding Canada's energy sector by repealing legislation, he said restricts pipeline development, framing energy independence as key to strengthening the economy and reducing reliance on U.S. markets.

Liberal candidate John Olthuis presented a platform focused on building a stronger national economy through infrastructure investments across provinces and territories. He discussed eliminating federal barriers to interprovincial trade and improving the mutual recognition of professional credentials. Olthuis also spoke about environmental initiatives and strengthening domestic purchasing to support Canadian industries, aiming to build resilience and foster national unity.

Mark Sampson of the People's Party of Canada raised concerns about government spending, high deficits, and the rising cost of living. He argued for balancing the federal budget through significant spending cuts, including reducing foreign aid and scaling back equalization payments to provinces. Sampson also proposed phasing out supply management in agriculture and lowering immigration levels as part of a broader strategy to relieve pressure on housing, healthcare, and social services.