The upcoming Ontario election has gained significant attention, particularly with the New Blue Party fielding its candidates. Set for February 27, 2025, this election marks another chapter for the New Blue Party, which aims to restore traditional conservative values to Ontario politics.
Randy Ricci, the New Blue candidate for the Rainy River District, expresses the need for returning to smaller government and stronger family values. "We need to get back to the old-time values of smaller government, stronger families, less government interference..." he states, emphasizing the importance of cutting the carbon tax and improving the economy through tax relief. Ricci sees healthcare as another pressing issue, urging the removal of barriers to attract physicians and healthcare professionals to the area.
Jacquie Baker, representing Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, and Brock, believes her party is the proper choice for conservatives. “We’re not splitting the right vote. We’re the only Conservative Party,” Baker asserts. Formed by Jim Karahalios, the party has carved out its niche by targeting constituents who feel abandoned by the mainstream Progressive Conservatives. "The PCs are just Liberals in blue suits," Baker argues, calling for accountability and traditional values.
Alex Della Ventura, the candidate for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte, resonates with voters through his personal experiences. "I may not be a smooth talker or a career politician... I’m tired of not seeing anyone standing up for us," he shares. Della Ventura emphasizes health care reform, advocating for private options to manage backlogs, and improving access to family doctors. His grassroots approach echoes the sentiments of those who feel overlooked by established parties.
Kevin Peck, who is targeting the Mississauga East—Cooksville riding, brings another perspective with his engineering background. He aims to tackle what he deems wasteful government spending, stating the importance of responsible management of taxpayer dollars. Peck's commitment to reduce unnecessary expenditures is echoed by several other candidates from the New Blue Party.
Tyrell, whose candidacy focuses on Hastings-Lennox and Addington, brings extensive experience as a commercial insurance broker. He believes healthcare requires considerable attention, especially with the aging population. He plans to rehire healthcare workers let go during the pandemic and is firmly against the expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying policies, advocating instead for palliative care options to respect the dignity of life.
Lastly, Garry Tanchak is representing Haldimand-Norfolk, focusing on urgent issues like tax relief and education reform. Tanchak, with over 40 years as a power engineer, insists on accountability within the government. He believes the New Blue Party is the true conservative alternative and encourages voters to opt for sensible leadership. “Choose New Blue for accountability and common sense leadership,” he urges, promoting his party's vision of effective governance.
The New Blue Party is currently the fifth-largest political party in Ontario, and candidates express optimism about winning seats, unlike the previous election when they failed to secure any. "I’ll be shocked if we don’t win seats this time," states Baker confidently, reflecting the momentum they believe they are gaining among conservative voters disenchanted with the current PC leadership.
With candidates like Ricci, Baker, Della Ventura, Peck, Tyrell, and Tanchak positioning themselves around key issues such as healthcare reforms, taxe reductions, and accountability within government, the New Blue Party aims to solidify its presence on the Ontario political stage. The upcoming election will be pivotal for the party's growth and for many voters seeking alternatives to the mainstream political narrative.
Voter turnout could be influenced by the rising concerns around the high cost of living, housing shortages, and healthcare accessibility, all of which are at the forefront of New Blue’s campaign messages. Candidates are encouraging residents to become engaged and make their voices heard, emphasizing action over rhetoric as they gear up for election day.