First time candidates push for change in Simcoe North riding

Crime, climate and cost of living take centre stage in the Simcoe North campaign.

With election day just a few sleeps away, Simcoe North remains one of many ridings in the region with a Conservative incumbent, but first time candidates seek to turn the tides.

Adam Chambers, the Conservative incumbent, is seeking a second mandate after succeeding Bruce Stanton, the riding’s Tory MP for nearly two decades. Chambers highlighted his expertise in law and business, as well as his work in introducing Bill C-289 to curb money laundering and tax evasion.

“Those are the kinds of experiences that I bring with me every day to Ottawa, and I’m just trying to work on behalf of everybody here,” said Chambers. “I’m asking for people to consider my record and send me back to Ottawa to keep fighting on their behalf.”

Chambers also made calls to lower crime, taxes and the cost of living in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

“We do have to think about President Trump, but we also have challenges that we have to work on as our country,” added Chambers. “To make us stronger, and certainly reduce our reliance on America, but to fix our own house here as well.”

Ryan Rocca, the riding’s Liberal candidate, says fighting the tariffs inspired him to run for the first time.

“It’s just such an uncertain time with the border down south,” said Rocca. “It really made me stand up.”

The Tiny Township native has a background in law and crime, and works as an agent for international imports.

He highlighted the Liberal efforts to protect those most impacted by tariffs.

“We’re always trying to protect people’s jobs,” added Rocca. “That’s why we’ve implemented better E.I. programs to make sure that people who have been affected by the tariffs would get paid and make sure they have a decent standard of living. The Liberal Party does not leave anyone behind.”

Ray Little, the riding’s Green Party candidate, showcased ice storm damage to take climate action seriously.

“I’m asking Simcoe North residents to see the recent ice storm as a climate event taking money out of your pockets through the cost of cleanup, spoiled food and property damage,” said Little, also a first-time candidate.

Little is a longtime automotive and engineering executive. He says he is campaigning for people, prosperity and planet, and strong action against the housing crisis.

“Regulating Airbnb’s, kicking corporations out of the family housing market and eliminating the income tax on 30 per cent of Canadians making less than $40,000 a year,” said Little of policies he would push for.

The Simcoe North ballot is rounded out by Melissa Lloyd from the New Democratic Party, Stephen Makk from the People’s Party and Russ Emo from the Christian Heritage Party.