BSOM Communist Party Candidate Speers Runs on Platform of Peace, Public Services and Economic Reform

Barrie, ON – Michael Speers, the Communist Party candidate for the Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte federal riding, is entering the election race with a platform focused on affordable living, demilitarization, and strengthening public services. Speaking with Simcoe Community Media’s Christine Nayler, Speers laid out his vision for how Canada could better serve working people through systemic reform and increased investment in social programs.

"I've always been kind of the behind-the-scenes guy," said Speers, a longtime campaign strategist. He said there comes a time when one feels compelled to represent their community, and for him, this election was that time.

Speers has been a member of the Communist Party for about three and a half years. He believes it’s the only political organization truly committed to representing working people's and their families' interests. He said the cost of living is rising rapidly, with essentials like food, rent, and fuel becoming increasingly unaffordable, and that other parties aren’t offering real solutions. At the heart of his party’s platform is the slogan: “Peace and Prosperity, Not War and Austerity.” Speers supports a major reduction in military spending — up to 75% — and withdrawal from international alliances such as NATO and NORAD. He says the funds saved should be redirected into social housing, healthcare, and public infrastructure, including high-speed rail.

Locally, Speers identified housing affordability and the toxic drug crisis as top concerns. His party calls for the construction of two million social housing units nationwide, rent caps tied to income, and price controls on essentials like groceries and fuel. On the drug crisis, Speers backs full decriminalization and major investment in addiction services, including supervised consumption sites and a regulated safe supply. "We need to make sure that people stay alive so they can get the help they need," he said, referencing the failed effort to establish a safe consumption site in Barrie. He believes supervised sites and safe supply are lifesaving measures.

Speers is advocating for universal pharmacare and dental care, both fully government-run, and a restructuring of how doctors and dentists are employed. Under his proposal, healthcare professionals would become public employees rather than operate private practices. He also criticized what he described as growing privatization in the healthcare system, arguing that the federal government must enforce the Canada Health Act to ensure medical services remain public. To support workers during economic disruptions, such as layoffs triggered by U.S. trade policies, Speers wants to expand Employment Insurance to cover 90% of previous earnings, with no penalties for job loss.

The Communist Party’s tax plan includes eliminating income tax for people earning under $50,000, removing the HST, and increasing taxes on corporations and the wealthy, including doubling the corporate tax rate and taxing 100% of capital gains. "We want to make sure that the rich and corporations are paying their fair share," he said.

In response to rising tensions with the U.S. and rhetoric from Donald Trump, Speers emphasized his party’s commitment to Canadian sovereignty — but said militarization is not the answer. "No amount of money that we spend on our military is going to stop them [the Americans]," he said.

When asked why voters should support him, Speers pointed to his commitment to working-class issues. "You're going to get someone who fights for working people 100% of the time," he said. He encouraged voters not to settle for the least-worst option. "You should pick the party and the person who will fight for working people and their families — and put their interests first."

Michael Speers will represent the Communist Party on the ballot for the Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte riding in the upcoming federal election.