Doug Shipley seeks new mandate: "We need to get Canada back on track"

Doug Shipley, the Conservative candidate for Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, is seeking re-election with a clear message: it’s time for change.

Having served as the riding’s Member of Parliament for the past five and a half years, Shipley says the issues facing local residents have never been more urgent. From skyrocketing housing costs to increasing crime and strained affordability, he says the call for help from constituents is louder than ever.

"I've heard many, many heartbreaking stories from residents," Shipley said in an interview. "It's time to get Canada back on track. I really want to put my hat back in and try to put Canada back where it should be."

A self-described "on-the-ground" MP, Shipley emphasized that his focus remains firmly on local issues and strong constituency service — an approach he says distinguishes him from the Ottawa political bubble. "I'm very proud of the things my team and my office have done over the last five and a half years. We help everybody — no matter their political stripe," he said.

Shipley also expressed strong support for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s platform, which proposes $75 billion in tax cuts over the next four years while simultaneously rolling out $35 billion in new programs. He acknowledges concerns about how these promises will be funded, but stresses that the current federal financial situation demands action.

"The amount of spending accumulated under the Liberal government is astronomical," Shipley said. "It's not going to be an easy task, but we have a plan to reduce the debt year over year while still looking after Canadians."

Shipley pointed to reducing spending on consultants, bureaucracy, and selective cuts to foreign aid as key ways the Conservatives plan to balance fiscal responsibility with service delivery.

Drawing from his time on Barrie City Council, Shipley framed his fiscal approach in relatable terms. "When I was on council, I used to think about every $5,000 spent — because that's about what the average household paid in property taxes. I always asked: is this the best use of someone’s hard-earned money?"

In addition to economic concerns, Shipley emphasized a need to strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign resources, referencing missed opportunities to export Canadian natural gas abroad.

As the campaign heats up, Shipley is critical of the Liberal Party under its new leader, Mark Carney, arguing that it's the same team behind outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "If people want real change, there’s only one choice, and that’s Conservative," he said.

Still, Shipley acknowledges the challenges ahead — particularly restoring hope for younger generations struggling with affordability and housing. "The dream of homeownership is gone for many young Canadians," he said. "We need to restore that dream and give them the same opportunities we once had."

With polls fluctuating daily, Shipley remains focused on what he believes matters most: listening to residents, fighting for the community, and offering a government that lives within its means.

“People are struggling,” he said. “We have to do better.”