{"id":212888,"date":"2025-12-21T16:37:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T21:37:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/?p=212888"},"modified":"2025-12-21T16:37:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-21T21:37:17","slug":"a-year-end-qa-with-mpp-graydon-smith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/a-year-end-qa-with-mpp-graydon-smith\/","title":{"rendered":"A year-end Q&A with MPP Graydon Smith"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As 2025 comes to a close, Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith reflects on the year that was and the challenges ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/broadstreet-zone><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

1. What were the most significant challenges and successes of 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It started off and continues to be a challenging year because of what’s happening south of the border with President Trump. He’s a wild card that is disrupting the global economy and our local economy. While that’s a challenge, I like to think that our government is meeting that challenge by making investments in businesses, services and other supports, to keep our economy strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of those investments, you look at Muskoka\u2019s inclusion with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and what that means for businesses, municipalities and community groups. It’s another avenue that drives investment in them and keeps them stable, along with other programs that we have. I’m really happy that I was able to get that over the finish line and have that envelope of funding that we have access to now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other successes include the continued progress of the Northlander. The train sets will be arriving very early in the new year and testing will begin. There are platforms being built with many stops here in the riding. That\u2019s going to be a game changer for transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve continued to invest not only in businesses, but in community groups as well. Through organizations like the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we\u2019re making sure that everyone, from seniors\u2019 centres and ski clubs to local Legions, has the support they need. These investments help keep facilities strong, in good shape, and able to continue delivering the programs that bring people together and make a real difference in their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would be remiss if I didn\u2019t mention the provincial election earlier in the year. That was a lot of interesting work trudging through the snow door-to-door to hear from folks. I was absolutely thrilled I got to return as MPP and continue the important work that comes with it. Of course, post election I ended up with a new portfolio with Municipal Affairs and Housing, which has been fun for me working with many of the municipal colleagues that I used to back from my mayoral and municipal days. That work is important work, not only collaborating with municipalities, but working to get more housing built here in Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Any advice for constituents going into the new year under the threat of tariffs?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We still don\u2019t know exactly where President Trump will land with his economic vision for the U.S. or how Canada will ultimately interact with that vision. But, we’ve got strong leadership here in Ontario with Premier Ford. He\u2019s been clear and unequivocal about ensuring Ontario has a strong, resilient economy, and that\u2019s why our government has been making key strategic investments, on the energy file for example, to support growth not just today, but well into the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our government has just passed Buy Ontario legislation to ensure that, especially in challenging times, we\u2019re supporting businesses right here at home by choosing Ontario-made products and services. That commitment extends directly into our riding and our communities. In Parry Sound\u2013Muskoka, we\u2019re proud to have a diverse business community, from manufacturing and financial services to many other sectors that drive our local economy. By supporting one another here at home, across Ontario and across Canada, we can stay strong and resilient through uncertain times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. What are you hopeful for in 2026?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m hopeful that we end up with a trade deal that allows our economy to continue to thrive and grow. Ultimately, that work rests with the federal government, and I know they\u2019re receiving strong input from our Premier on what Ontario needs to keep our foundational sectors strong and competitive. When we get that right, we all benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s especially true for manufacturing, which continues to play an important role here in Parry Sound\u2013Muskoka. Whether businesses are large or small, our government has put a plan in place to support them through challenging times and help us get back to more stable economic conditions, so when that happens, we\u2019re ready to hit the gas and move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Anything else you’d like to add?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a great year ahead. It is my honour to serve the people of Parry Sound\u2013Muskoka, and I\u2019ll continue to be out in our communities, listening, connecting, and keeping the conversations and ideas flowing. I look forward to seeing everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n

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<\/broadstreet-zone>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As 2025 comes to a close, Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith reflects on the year that was and the challenges ahead. 1. 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