As people in the riding prepare to vote leading up to the April 28 federal election, we asked the candidates two simple questions:
1. Why are you running, and what do you believe qualifies you to run as the federal representative of this riding?
2. What do you consider the two most significant issues in this election?
Below are their answers.
Conservative Party of Canada: Scott Aitchison (incumbent)
1. I am running because I have a proven track record of strong and local leadership for Parry Sound-Muskoka. I have been fighting for workers and families in Parry Sound-Muskoka since 2019 when you first elected me as your Member of Parliament. As your representative, I have fought against the carbon tax and opposed Liberal inflationary policies, while also working across party lines to deliver 10 paid sick days to federally regulated workers in Parry Sound-Muskoka.
My entire adult life has been devoted to serving the communities that raised me. I lead with compassion, building communities that welcome everyone. I have had your back for years in Ottawa, and it would be my honour to continue to represent you.
2. ● Cost of living
○ After 9 years of Liberal government, the cost of living is out of control. Rent, groceries, and fuel are all more expensive than ever. We cannot give the Liberals a 4th term to continue the policies that got us into this mess.
○ The Liberals claim they have removed the Carbon Tax, but that is just not true. Just a few months ago Mark Carney claimed the Carbon Tax was not high enough, and the Carbon Tax Law remains on the books today. Only the
Conservatives will axe the tax for good, on everything, for everyone.
○ Conservatives will deliver a 15% tax cut to the average Canadian worker and let tradespeople write off travel, food, and accommodation expenses so they can keep more of what they earn.
● Who will fight for you in an uncertain world?
○ I have fought for my communities for decades. As Mayor and District Councillor, I got affordable housing built, and as MP, I have stood up against Liberal policies that don’t fit our way of life here in Parry Sound-Muskoka.
○ As we face President Trump’s threats to our economy and our existence as a country, you can always count on me to stand strong. I have always been in your corner and will always have your back. That is strong and proven local leadership.
Liberal Party of Canada: Geordie Sabbagh
1. I chose to enter this race at my 11-year-old son’s urging—and when I learned there wasn’t a local candidate. I felt this riding deserved a choice, and if I could help secure a better future for my son and my community, I couldn’t sit back and do nothing.
Who would have thought we’d be holding an election in the middle of a sovereignty crisis with the United States? These are uncertain times. There will be challenges—but I also see real opportunity, for both Canada and Parry Sound–Muskoka. And I believe we deserve a seat at the table.
If being a volunteer firefighter has taught me anything, it’s this: service before self. I will do everything I can to make sure the voices of this community are heard. This is my home, and I want our kids to see a future here they can believe in.
When I looked at my own experience—starting with a Masters in International Business Management, working around the world with the BBC and Discovery, launching an independent production company, and advising Fortune 500 CEOs on corporate vision and strategy—I realized I had a skill set that could help.
I’m not running to build a career in politics. I’m running because I believe we can be Canada Strong—and Parry Sound–Muskoka strong.
2. After listening and talking to people across Parry Sound–Muskoka, I keep hearing two major concerns again and again: Canada’s sovereignty and economic survival.
First, there is real and growing anxiety about our sovereignty—especially in light of the
changing relationship with the United States. As someone whose business is 90% dependent on the U.S., I’m already feeling the effects. So are many others in our community. We can’t afford to be this vulnerable.
We need to diversify our economy and trading partners. We need to lead, not follow—and build a strong, self-reliant Canada that thrives on our terms and benefits everyone. I believe Mark Carney is already showing that this is not only possible, but necessary.
And frankly, like many others, I’m tired of the negativity. Canada isn’t broken. We’ve changed the world for the better many times—and we will again. Since moving to Huntsville, I’ve met some of the most innovative, entrepreneurial, and caring people I’ve ever known. That gives me hope. I’m excited to see what we can create together.
The second major issue is the economy and affordability. People are working long hours, but still struggling to pay the bills or keep their small businesses afloat. I know that feeling—I’m living it right now. My own business is at risk.
We need to move beyond outdated thinking and look toward new industries, good-paying jobs, and long-term opportunities that align with and protect what makes this region so special. That includes sustainable economic growth, affordable housing, access to healthcare, and equal opportunity for all.
Solving these problems will take collaboration, not partisanship. It’s been done before—and we can do it again. And the truth is, there’s a clear advantage for our riding when our MP is part of the governing party. I’m running to bring Parry Sound–Muskoka to the table—to deliver funding, innovation, and real opportunity as part of a Mark Carney- led government.
People’s Party of Canada: Isabel Pereira
1. Since my retirement in 2018 I have become more involved within my community. I volunteer with several local organizations and regularly attend my local council meetings. I believe in active participation in our government and want to do what I can to support my fellow Canadians by representing the constituents of Parry Sound – Muskoka.
I am a resident in the riding of Parry Sound – Muskoka since 1988. During my 30+ years of working in the health care field I have lived and worked in several towns in Parry Sound and Muskoka areas. Since retiring I live in the Almaguin Highlands area (East Parry Sound) along with my husband. We have two children and two grandchildren. I am an ordinary person that believes in supporting local business, community programs and promoting our community.
I understand the challenges of living in smaller communities and am honoured to represent the constituents of Parry Sound – Muskoka.
2. I consider the two most significant issues in this election to be our Economy and our Sovereignty, both at a national level as well as at a personal level, including an individual’s continued access to natural health products.
New Democratic Party: Heather Hay
1. I am running in this election because I work with the most marginalized members of our community and their voices are not being heard. Enough of this fighting left versus right, we need to come together and take on the oligarchs that are destroying our country and planet.
2. The two most pressing issues this election are the climate emergency and the threat to our democracy and sovereignty. The NDP is the only party that is committed to supporting workers instead of the hoarders of wealth. The conservatives would willingly invite Musk and his puppet to take over the country and although Carney is smarter, he is a banker with little motivation to change a system designed to funnel wealth to the top 1%.
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