With the federal election less than two weeks away, Liberal candidate John Olthuis is entering the political arena with a clear goal: to bring a fresh voice to a traditionally Conservative riding and advocate for real solutions to affordability and housing.
Olthuis, a longtime Barrie resident with a background in customer service and communications, says his decision to run in the deep-blue riding of Barrie South–Innisfil was driven by a desire to bring stronger local representation to Ottawa.
“The incumbent has been in for quite a long time, nine years,” Olthuis said in an interview. “It’s time for someone who can work with the leadership to move things forward for our region.”
That leadership, Olthuis believes, should come from former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney. Olthuis is confident in his ability to lead.
“He’s brilliant,” said Olthuis. “He leans in both directions a little bit — more centred — so we’re getting the best of both worlds. He’s exactly what we need to deal with economic issues and someone like Donald Trump.”
Olthuis pointed to Carney’s steady hand during the 2008 financial crisis — a time when even Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper praised his leadership — as proof of his ability to manage turbulent global relations and economic challenges.
Locally, Olthuis is prioritizing housing and affordability — issues that resonate deeply with families and individuals across the region, especially younger people struggling to enter the housing market.
“There’s a whole catalogue of beautiful, pre-engineered homes being proposed,” Olthuis explained. “If we can open up federal land and put affordable housing on it, developers can come in quickly. This would be wonderful for people like my own adult children who are trying to get into the market.”
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On the campaign trail, Olthuis says he’s hearing concerns about affordability, crime, and the cost of living — common themes nationwide, but with local nuances. He believes part of the solution lies in returning to practical, collaborative politics.
“You can say a lot of things in the House,” he said. “But the idea is to come together — Conservatives, Liberals, NDP, Greens — and bring forward good ideas. Shouting and hammering on tables isn’t how we get things done. Canadians are turned off by that.”
Olthuis is well aware of the uphill battle he faces in a riding long dominated by Conservative MP John Brassard, but he’s banking on a shift in voter priorities and the draw of pragmatic leadership.
“I’m an excellent listener and a problem solver,” he said. “This community deserves someone full-time, someone who’s ready to fight for what matters — from housing to the economy to our place on the world stage.”
Whether voters in Barrie South–Innisfil are ready for a change remains to be seen, but Olthuis is betting that his message will resonate beyond party lines.
