Monday, April 28th, 2025, is Election Day across Canada and your chance to influence change.
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The Barrie & District Association of Realtors® (BDAR) is dedicated to keeping our communities & 1,500 members informed by breaking down party platforms and connecting with local candidates across the Greater Simcoe County Region to discuss how their party will positively impact the Ontario housing affordability crisis.
Party Information
Progressive
Conservative Party
New Democratic
Party
Green Party
Party Platforms
Breaking Down Key Points
Ontario PC
Platform Highlights
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The Conservatives promise to cut the lowest income tax bracket from 15 to 12.75 per cent. This would save a person making $57,000 about $900 per year.
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The Conservatives are also promising to allow Canadians to save an additional $5,000 in their Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) if that money is invested into Canadian companies.
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Any extra revenue generated from expanded trade with the United States following a new trade agreement will go into the Canadian Armed Forces.
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The Conservatives say they won’t cut pharmacare or dental care programs if elected.
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The Conservatives say they would allow working seniors to earn up to $34,000 tax free. They would also allow seniors to keep growing their savings in RRSPs until age 73, up from 71. They would keep the retirement age set at 65.
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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he supports targeted, reciprocal tariffs as a short-term response, but that there needs to be a long-term response that leaves Canada less dependent on the U.S.
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He says there are several “red lines” he would not cross in negotiations with the U.S., including Canada’s borders, security, resources, farmers (including supply managed farmers), fresh water, sovereignty, Canadian laws and currency, culture, official languages, resources and indigenous rights.
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The Conservatives would also allow Canadians to save an additional $5,000 in their Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) if that money is invested into Canadian companies as part of a strategy to bolster investment in the country.
​Housing Policy
The Conservatives promise to eliminate the federal GST on new homes up to $1.3 million to save homebuyers up to $65,000.
Ontario NDP
Platform Highlights
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The NDP are promising to raise the basic personal amount to $19,500 for anyone earning less than $177,882. They say the move would save workers about $505.
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The NDP say they would also permanently remove the GST from essentials like grocery store meals, diapers and strollers, as well as from monthly bills such as cell, internet and heating bills.
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In addition, they would double the Canada Disability Benefit.
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Cancel Canada's F-35 contract and build jets domestically instead. The NDP say they would also bolster Canada's Arctic with new defence spending, building marine search and research stations, increasing pay for soldiers and building northern community infrastructure.
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Promises to crack down on "cash-for-care" clinics that charge Canadians for basic services and to ban American firms from buying up Canadian health-care assets.
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Promising to “lift all seniors out of poverty” by raising the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
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Promising to waive the GST on vehicles made in Canada. They would also make sure that the federal government only purchase Canadian-made vehicles for services like the RCMP and Canada Post, and prevent any manufacturing equipment from being removed from Canadian factories.
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Additionally, the NDP promise to introduce an “emergency price cap” on basic food items as part of the tariff response.
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The party would also give all money collected from counter-tariffs to workers and communities hit the hardest by the U.S. trade war.
Housing Policy
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The NDP promises to invest $1 billion over five years to acquire more public land for rent-controlled home construction through the Public Land Acquisition Fund.
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The party is also promising to get the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to offer low-interest, public-backed mortgages to individuals.
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The NDP promises to retrofit 3.3 million homes by cutting supports for big oil and gas companies. They say 2.3 million low-income households would get free energy-saving retrofits like heat pumps, air sealing and fresh insulation. The plan would cost $1.5 billion annually over 10 years. The party would also offer $300 million per year to expand the Canada Green Homes Initiative to allow another one million homes to retrofit with low-cost loans.
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Additionally, the party would ban corporations from buying affordable rental buildings and strengthen protections for renters.
Ontario Liberal
Platform Highlights
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promise to cut the lowest income tax bracket by one per cent. This would save a dual-income family up to $825 per year.
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The Liberals also promise to leave the capital gains inclusion rate unchanged, ditching the previous Liberal government’s plan to raise it above gains of $250,000.
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Promise to accelerate Canada’s defence spending to reach the two per cent NATO target by 2030.
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Boost salaries for members of the armed forces in an effort to bolster recruitment efforts, and to expand Canada’s presence in the Arctic.
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Create a $2 billion fund to bolster the auto sector.
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The party would also waive the one-week waiting period for employment insurance for those who lose their jobs to U.S. tariffs and temporarily allow Canadian businesses to defer income tax as well as GST and HST payments.
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Housing Policy
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The Liberals are vowing to build nearly 500,000 homes per year and to create a new agency to oversee affordable housing construction.
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The Liberals are also promising to eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes at or under $1 million, saving them up to $50,000.
Ontario Green
Platform Highlights
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COMING SOON
Housing Policy
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COMING SOON
Meet the Candidates
Running in the Greater Simcoe Region
Barrie-Innisfil
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John Brassard
Progressive Conservative Party
John Brassard was first elected as Member of Parliament for Barrie-Innisfil in the 2015 federal election and was re-elected in both the 2019 and 2021 elections.
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Throughout his time in office, Brassard has taken on several key leadership roles within the Conservative Party, including serving as House Leader and as Chair of the Ethics Committee. He has been a strong advocate for tax relief, job creation, support for small businesses, and government accountability. Passionate about addressing the rising cost of living, particularly in Barrie-Innisfil, he has championed initiatives aimed at easing the financial strain on middle-class families.
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On a local level, Brassard has fostered a deep connection with the residents of Barrie South-Innisfil, consistently supporting local businesses, community groups, and initiatives that strengthen the community’s economy and well-being. His commitment to the community and his constituents continues to drive his efforts in Parliament, working towards a more prosperous future for all.
John’s commitment to improving the lives of his constituents drives every decision he makes, and as he continues his work in Parliament, his passion for building a better future for all Canadians remains at the heart of all he does. Learn More
John Olthuis
Liberal Party
John has over 30 years experience in customer communications, customer service and marketing, with a strong understanding of economics, the environment and municipal politics. He is a father of five children and grandfather of two. Learn More
Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte
Doug Shipley
Progressive Conservative Party
Doug Shipley has proudly served as the Member of Parliament for Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte for two terms, having first been elected to Parliament in the 43rd General Election on October 21, 2019, and re-elected in the 44th General Election on September 20, 2021.
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Doug has resided in the riding for over 35 years, where he and his wife Lisa have raised their two sons Wyatt and Luke.
Prior to being elected as a Member of Parliament, Doug served three consecutive terms on Barrie City Council. In this role, he gained experience as Chair of Finance and Corporate Services, Chair of the Infrastructure, Investment, and Development Services Committee, and Deputy Chair of the Barrie Police Services Board. He also sat on several committees, including the Barrie and Area Physician Recruitment Task Force.
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Doug has successfully owned and operated a small business for over 25 years. He is dedicated to his community and the organizations that serve it. Local issues have always been Doug’s focus. In his limited spare time, he enjoys playing pickleball, exploring local hiking trails with his family and their dog Ollie, and partaking in many other outdoor activities that are abundant in Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte.
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In Ottawa, Doug was honoured to serve as the Deputy Shadow Minister of Public Safety in Canada’s 44th Parliament. He is also proud to have been a member of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, where he fought tirelessly to protect the safety and security of all Canadians.
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In Canada’s 44th Parliament, Doug introduced Private Member’s Bill C-389, which would remove the federal tax from Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). Bill C-389 would improve the affordability for individuals wishing to purchase an AED for their home, farm, or cottage, who currently do not have access to an AED.
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Doug is honoured to represent the people of Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte in Ottawa and when re-elected, he will continue to work alongside his Conservative colleagues to champion legislation that will improve the lives of all Canadians. Learn More
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Rose Zacharias
Liberal Party
Dr. Rose Zacharias is a devoted community leader with a proven record of community service. As a family doctor and mental healthcare provider with over two decades of experience, Rose has shown her passion and determination to make life better for families across Simcoe County.
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As the Liberal Candidate for Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte, Rose understands what it takes to create good jobs, support families, workers, and small businesses in the community and build a better future for everyone. Now she is committed to working with Mark Carney to stand up to Donald Trump, cut taxes for the middle class, and grow the strongest economy in the G7 - an economy that works for everyone.
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Rose has deep roots in the community, having lived in Oro-Medonte for the last 20 years with her husband, Pediatrician Rob Meeder, and their four wonderful children. With her years of experience on the front lines of healthcare, Rose has a unique understanding of Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte’s vibrant character, and she will work tirelessly as your Member of Parliament and will be a strong voice for the community on Parliament Hill.
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As the former President of the Ontario Medical Association representing over 43,000 Physicians, Rose’s leadership was instrumental in advancing initiatives such as licensing more foreign-trained doctors, bolstering mental health and addictions services, and increasing access to palliative care across the Province of Ontario. She is the trusted voice that the families of our community need in government.
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Rose will never stop fighting for the families of Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte, and will be a champion for a stronger middle class, and a growing and more resilient economy. Learn More
Simcoe-Grey
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Terry Dowdall
Progressive Conservative Party
Terry Dowdall represented Simcoe—Grey as its Member of Parliament since October 2019. In addition, he also served as a member of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs. Terry has always been a passionate booster of Simcoe—Grey and a huge advocate in particular for its Seniors, its small business-owners, and the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. As a small business-owner himself, and as the representative for Canadian Forces Base Borden, Terry is passionate about this work. He has been a strong advocate for mental health – both of CAF members and veterans – and as a matter of growing importance for our youth.
Terry has a longstanding reputation as an effective municipal leader, successful business-owner, and strong member of the community.
He has over 18 years of municipal experience, serving the Township of Essa in the roles of mayor, deputy mayor and councillor from 2003 to 2018. He served as a Simcoe County councillor for 15 years, from 2003 to 2018. He also served as Simcoe County’s Deputy Warden from 2014 to 2018 and as Interim Warden in 2018. Additionally, he served three terms on the board of directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, an organization voicing the concerns of municipalities nationally since 1901.
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With his many levels of experience, Terry understands the importance of all levels of government working together. He has been honoured to represent the people of Simcoe—Grey in Ottawa and would be honoured to continue doing so. Learn More
Simcoe-North
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Adam Chambers
Progressive Conservative Party
Adam was elected as the MP for Simcoe North in 2021. Since then, Adam served on the Finance Committee where he held the Liberal government accountable for their record deficits, debt and multiple tax increases.
Previously, Adam worked as a senior advisor to Canada’s Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, as Canada successfully navigated the global recession and financial crisis. Before entering politics, Adam spent 7 years at one of Canada’s largest life insurance companies. Adam is also an entrepreneur, founding an online education platform to assist college and university students with their licensing exams.
Adam has been an active volunteer in Simcoe North having served on the board of the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care in Penetanguishene. Adam was also a founding board member of Building Up, a non-profit whose mission is to create employment opportunities in the skilled trades for at-risk youth. Learn More
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Ray Little
Green Party
The Green Party has had a presence in Simcoe North since the founding of the federal Green Party in 1983. Our riding is uniquely positioned with its ecological treasures, which residents deeply appreciate. At the same time, we are close enough to the pressures of growth to understand the importance of sustainability in economic practices. The Green Party's commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with economic vitality resonates strongly here. We advocate for policies that protect our natural environment while fostering innovative and sustainable economic opportunities. Learn More
Voting Information
Eligibility, Registration, Ways to Vote
Eligibility
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To vote in an Ontario election, you must be:
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18 years of age or older on election day
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a Canadian citizen
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prove your identity and address
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Registration
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Confirm, update or add your voter information to the by April 22 to receive a voter information card in the mail with information on when and where to vote. You can still vote if you're not registered. Add your information in person when you go to vote.
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Voter Information Card
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If you are on the voter's list, you will be mailed a voter information card with information about when and where you vote. Voter information cards will be on their way starting April 11.
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You can still vote if you do not receive a voter information card, Bring one piece of ID showing both your name and current residential address.
Vote Early
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By mail​- You must apply by Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m.
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At your returning office
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During advanced voting
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Vote at your assigned polling station from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on:
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Friday, April 18
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Saturday, April 19
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Sunday, April 20, or
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Monday, April 21
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Learn more at Elections Canada
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Vote on Election Day
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Vote at your assigned polling station on election day, Monday, April 28. Polls will be open for 12 hours (hours vary by time zone).
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To find your polling station, check your voter information card or use our Voter Information Service.
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Accessibility
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To find out how accessible your assigned polling station is:
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check your voter information card;
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visit elections.ca and enter your postal code into the Voter Information Service box; or
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call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).
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All polling stations will have either an automatic door opener or an election worker at the door to provide assistance.
If your polling station doesn't meet your accessibility needs, or if you need language or sign language interpretation when you go to vote, call us. Deadlines apply.
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Additional Resources
Hear from our Partner Organizations
Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA)
Saving the Canadian Dream of Home Ownership in Ontario
Ontario REALTORS® 2025 Platform for a Home for Everyone
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Highlights Include:
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Improving Consumer Confidence Through Expanded Protections
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Improving the efficiency of the Landlord Tenant Board
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Implemnting a more practical education for Ontario REALTORS ​
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Increase Housing Supply Across Ontario
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End Exclusionary zoning across Ontario by legalizing fourplaxes as-of-right
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Increase Density Near Transit
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Lowering the Cost of Homeownership
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Implementing a Condoization Framework for Muliplexes
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Limiting Municipal Development Charges
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OREA Report Card on Major Political Parties Housing Platforms
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OREA has ranked each of the four major political parties to see how they stack up when compared to OREA's policy recommendations in their 'A Home for Everyone' campaign, following review of their housing platforms and submitted survey responses.
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Toronto Real Estate Board: Fair Homes Taxes
Fair Taxes on Ontario Homes
Join our Campaign
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Taxes on Ontario homes are too high.
Ontario has some of the highest taxes in North America. For consumers, high taxes on housing makes homeownership more difficult for both new buyers and existing owners.
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For the average homebuyer, government taxes and fees make up 35.6% of the final purchase cost of a new home.
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These taxes fuel scarcity and drive-up costs turning homeownership into a privilege to be taxed rather than a dream for everyone to pursue. We need to lower taxes on housing so we can build more home that families and individuals can afford.
TRREB has a Five Point Policy Plan
1. Reduce Development Charges
2. Update the Federal HST Home Rebate Program
3. Increase Municipal Transfers
4. Review Municipal Revenue Tools
5. Reduce the Land Transfer Tx on First-Time Homebuyers
