As the federal election campaign gains steam in Barrie South–Innisfil, Conservative candidate and incumbent MP John Brassard is making his pitch to voters with a message focused on economic recovery, energy independence, public safety, and affordability. A seasoned political voice in the region, Brassard is once again going door to door — and he says what he’s hearing isn’t lining up with national polling trends. “It’s a real head-scratcher,” Brassard said in a recent interview. “What we’re hearing at the door is not reflective of what the polls are saying.”
With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepping down and a new Liberal leader in place, some early polling has shown a narrowing race. But Brassard remains confident that Canadians — especially in communities like Barrie South–Innisfil — haven’t forgotten what he calls “a decade of economic malaise.”
Brassard criticizes the Liberals for what he describes as radical policies that have weakened Canada’s energy sector and economic standing. He pointed to housing affordability, carbon taxes, and record food bank usage as pressing concerns.
“Young people can’t afford housing or rent, and housing prices have doubled,” Brassard said. “Two million Canadians are using food banks every month — that’s not normal in a country like Canada.”
Brassard also defended Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s shift from opposition critic to prime ministerial contender. He praised recent policy announcements, including a plan to create 50,000 addiction treatment spaces across the country. “We have a fentanyl crisis in this country that has killed more people than were killed in the Second World War,” Brassard said. “Everything we’re doing is to address these issues in a positive way.”
On crime, Brassard endorsed the party’s tougher stance, calling for stricter bail conditions and enhanced sentences for violent and organized crime.
“Violent crime has increased threefold since 2015. People want safer communities — and they’re telling me that at the door,” he said.
Brassard also attempted to dispel fears around the Conservative stance on pharmacare, dental care, and pensions — key issues for many voters in the riding. “Pierre has been very, very clear: those who are receiving benefits will maintain those benefits,” Brassard said. “There’s a lot of fear-mongering going on, but we’re not touching CPP, OAS, or GIS.”
Brassard emphasized recent proposals to increase tax-free income thresholds for seniors, allowing them to earn more without penalties.
Barrie–Innisfil has historically leaned Conservative, but with a new national Liberal leader and evolving voter priorities, the race is far from predictable. Brassard says he's ready to bring local voices to Ottawa once again — and help implement a “Canada-first” agenda. “The official opposition has done its job holding the government accountable,” he said. “Now, we’re ready to lead — and deliver real solutions to the issues facing Canadians every day.”
