As 2025 comes to a close, Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith reflects on the year that was and the challenges ahead.
1. What were the most significant challenges and successes of 2025?
It started off and continues to be a challenging year because of what’s happening south of the border with President Trump. He’s a wild card that is disrupting the global economy and our local economy. While that’s a challenge, I like to think that our government is meeting that challenge by making investments in businesses, services and other supports, to keep our economy strong.
In terms of those investments, you look at Muskoka’s inclusion with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and what that means for businesses, municipalities and community groups. It’s another avenue that drives investment in them and keeps them stable, along with other programs that we have. I’m really happy that I was able to get that over the finish line and have that envelope of funding that we have access to now.
Other successes include the continued progress of the Northlander. The train sets will be arriving very early in the new year and testing will begin. There are platforms being built with many stops here in the riding. That’s going to be a game changer for transportation.
We’ve continued to invest not only in businesses, but in community groups as well. Through organizations like the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we’re making sure that everyone, from seniors’ centres and ski clubs to local Legions, has the support they need. These investments help keep facilities strong, in good shape, and able to continue delivering the programs that bring people together and make a real difference in their communities.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the provincial election earlier in the year. That was a lot of interesting work trudging through the snow door-to-door to hear from folks. I was absolutely thrilled I got to return as MPP and continue the important work that comes with it. Of course, post election I ended up with a new portfolio with Municipal Affairs and Housing, which has been fun for me working with many of the municipal colleagues that I used to back from my mayoral and municipal days. That work is important work, not only collaborating with municipalities, but working to get more housing built here in Ontario.
2. Any advice for constituents going into the new year under the threat of tariffs?
We still don’t know exactly where President Trump will land with his economic vision for the U.S. or how Canada will ultimately interact with that vision. But, we’ve got strong leadership here in Ontario with Premier Ford. He’s been clear and unequivocal about ensuring Ontario has a strong, resilient economy, and that’s why our government has been making key strategic investments, on the energy file for example, to support growth not just today, but well into the future.
Our government has just passed Buy Ontario legislation to ensure that, especially in challenging times, we’re supporting businesses right here at home by choosing Ontario-made products and services. That commitment extends directly into our riding and our communities. In Parry Sound–Muskoka, we’re proud to have a diverse business community, from manufacturing and financial services to many other sectors that drive our local economy. By supporting one another here at home, across Ontario and across Canada, we can stay strong and resilient through uncertain times.
3. What are you hopeful for in 2026?
I’m hopeful that we end up with a trade deal that allows our economy to continue to thrive and grow. Ultimately, that work rests with the federal government, and I know they’re receiving strong input from our Premier on what Ontario needs to keep our foundational sectors strong and competitive. When we get that right, we all benefit.
That’s especially true for manufacturing, which continues to play an important role here in Parry Sound–Muskoka. Whether businesses are large or small, our government has put a plan in place to support them through challenging times and help us get back to more stable economic conditions, so when that happens, we’re ready to hit the gas and move forward.
4. Anything else you’d like to add?
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a great year ahead. It is my honour to serve the people of Parry Sound–Muskoka, and I’ll continue to be out in our communities, listening, connecting, and keeping the conversations and ideas flowing. I look forward to seeing everyone.
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MAHC is not mentioned in the year end review. In my opinion the provincial government should take responsibility for the re-development process. MAHC’s responsibility is local health care, not building and redeveloping. It is after all Muskoka Algonquin HEALTH CARE, not Muskoka Algonquin BUILDING GROUP. Every time a local hospital board (not just MAHC) goes through the re-developing process they spend tax dollars doing the same thing over and over again. Each board hires consultants, architects, engineers. The province needs to step up and hire these people one time and build hospitals that will look the same in Muskoka as they do in Timmins. Is the province hiring architect for each new train station or do they have a template of what they will look like? West Lincoln has 55 private rooms, plus 6 birthing units, plus other things for 225 million dollars. How many beds does MAHC plan to have for one billion dollars? And remember a hospital is supposed to be built to provide health care, not to be an architectural marvel.
The people at MAHC do a very good job at health care. Redeveloping…..not so good.
May we please have the northern designation brought back to Muskoka Parry Sound for the purposes of our senior’s safety, tax exemptions and for goodness sake – tires with studs.
Respectfully,
Barney O’Hara
Gravenhurst