Scott Aitchison (Huntsville), Alan Fraser (Bracebridge), Meghan Shannon (MacTier), and Holly Thompson (Bala) have all been campaigning to represent the Conservative Party for Parry Sound-Muskoka. Former Conservative MP Tony Clement, who now sits as an independent, announced in April that he would not seek re-election.<\/p>\n
In the absence of an official all-candidates meeting organized by the local riding association, the campaign team for Scott Aitchison arranged unofficial meetings across the region, including one at the Huntsville Legion on June 26, for party members to meet and talk with the nominees.<\/p>\n
The Huntsville meeting was the best attended so far, said Aitchison. He and Fraser answered questions from the crowd of about 60 people. Shannon and Thompson were not present.<\/p>\n
![\"Conservative](\"https:\/\/media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com\/2019\/06\/Alan-Fraser-and-Scott-Aitchison.jpg\")
Conservative nominees Alan Fraser (left) and Scott Aitchison at a meet-the-candidates event at the Huntsville Legion on June 26. Meghan Shannon and Holly Thompson were not present.<\/p><\/div>\n
In advance of the meeting, Huntsville Doppler invited all of the nominees to respond to four questions. These were their answers (in alphabetical order) followed by a brief bio for each.<\/p>\n
1. Why do you think you are the best candidate to represent the Conservative<\/span> Party in Parry Sound-Muskoka?<\/h4>\nScott Aitchison
\n<\/strong>Our candidate will have to articulate the message of our party and must demonstrate the ability to effectively debate issues with opposing candidates. Our candidate must not overreact to the attacks of the other parties while continuing to share our positive message. I have demonstrated these abilities many times in municipal elections. I am the most effective public speaker and debater of the four candidates and I have the experience required to win.<\/p>\nAlan Fraser
\n<\/strong>I have the experience and education to represent the constituents of Parry Sound-Muskoka as the Member of Parliament. I am familiar with the institutions of the federal government. As a lawyer, my skills are directly applicable to the role of MP. Working on complex, international investment disputes has exposed me to unique experiences that are directly applicable as an MP. As a volunteer and director of a charity, I have worked with the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence to support Canadian Forces families obtain post-secondary education. Furthermore, I grew up in Bracebridge. I\u2019m a local candidate who understands the challenges and successes the constituents face in the riding. I have worked in a local small business that has operated in the constituency for 30 years. This combination of experience and education will assist me in ensuring that the interests of Parry Sound-Muskoka are well-represented in Ottawa.<\/p>\nMeghan Shannon
\n<\/strong>I believe that my educational background and work experience, combined with my personal knowledge of this area, makes me the ideal candidate to represent the Conservative<\/span> Party in Parry Sound-Muskoka. The work I’ve done over the past decade, researching and consulting with rural communities in Canada on issues pertaining to small business, resource management and economic diversification, makes me a highly qualified candidate to serve the riding. Earning a PhD in the field of rural economic development required collaboration and consultation with all levels of government, and the civic and private sectors, which is incredibly important when working towards solving local issues. My experience managing a non-profit agency and advocating on behalf of youth makes me a well-rounded candidate; able to work with a diverse population with differing needs.<\/p>\nHolly Thompson
\n<\/strong><\/strong>Did not respond
\nUpdate June 28: Doppler received a late reply today from Holly Thompson’s campaign office. For details on where she stands regarding issues affecting Parry Sound-Muskoka, please contact her campaign office via her website. (Link in the bio below.)<\/p>\n2. What federal issue do you think most resonates with the people in this area?<\/h4>\n
Scott Aitchison
\n<\/strong>Housing. The housing issue in Parry Sound-Muskoka is a social and economic challenge. Lack of housing affects businesses who cannot find people to fill open positions because the employees they attract cannot find a place to live that they can afford and there are too many people in our communities who are struggling to find adequate housing to rent or to purchase.<\/p>\nAlan Fraser
\n<\/strong>There are several pressing issues in the riding. Affordable housing is an issue that arises time and again at the all-candidates meetings. Having a home is imperative for anyone wishing to maintain a sustained and well-paying job. If you have no home to return to, how can a primary income earner maintain a job? How can a young family survive? Without a home, constituents can end up couch surfing. The lack of affordable housing can lead to more serious societal issues including substance and alcohol abuse. Affordable housing and economic development are interconnected. Parry Sound-Muskoka requires an MP who will work with all three levels of government to implement an affordable housing strategy\u2014a strategy where the federal government is present at the discussion table with innovative ideas and funding.<\/p>\nMeghan Shannon
\n<\/strong>Through extensive traveling across the riding, knocking on hundreds of doors and meeting with many community leaders, I am hearing a broad range of issues that are important to the residents of Parry Sound-Muskoka. These include a host of issues relating to regional economic development, housing, conservation, supporting seniors, affordability and the cost of living, and defending our freedoms\u2014for example, the right to lawfully own firearms.<\/p>\nHolly Thompson
\n<\/strong>Did not respond
\nUpdate June 28: Doppler received a late reply today from Holly Thompson’s campaign office. For details on where she stands regarding issues affecting Parry Sound-Muskoka, please contact her campaign office via her website. (Link in the bio below.)<\/p>\n3. What in your party’s platform do you not agree with? Why?<\/h4>\n
Scott Aitchison
\n<\/strong>I agree with the party platform.<\/p>\nAlan Fraser
\n<\/strong>Choosing a political affiliation\u2014a right which some might take for granted\u2014is not something to be taken lightly. I am running for the Conservative nomination in Parry Sound-Muskoka and as such I must support the policies of my party. However, the Conservative Party, in Section 7 of its Policy Declaration, explicitly highlights the importance of free votes. This principle ensures that democratic accountability and my ability to represent the constituents of Parry Sound-Muskoka is not restricted by party politics. I would encourage anyone wishing to debate or change the platform to get involved in party politics. We need more young people involved in our democratic institutions and decision-making.<\/p>\nMeghan Shannon
\n<\/strong>As a delegate at the 2018 Conservative National Convention, I voted on many policies found in the party platform\u2014a platform to which I support.<\/p>\nHolly Thompson
\n<\/strong>Did not respond
\nUpdate June 28: Doppler received a late reply today from Holly Thompson’s campaign office. For details on where she stands regarding issues affecting Parry Sound-Muskoka, please contact her campaign office via her website. (Link in the bio below.)<\/p>\n4. If elected, what will you do for this riding?<\/h4>\n
Scott Aitchison
\n<\/strong>If elected, I will continue in the manner I have executed the office of Mayor Huntsville\u2014I will work hard everyday to help make life better for all the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka.<\/span><\/p>\nAlan Fraser
\n<\/strong>The constituency of Parry Sound-Muskoka has had excellent representation over the decades, whether it was Stan Darling, Andy Mitchell, or Tony Clement. Our Members of Parliament have served our community well. As your Member of Parliament, I will continue this dedication to the community, ensuring that I represent all of the voices of Parry Sound-Muskoka. Your MP should be accessible and I promise to make myself available to the constituents. But beyond just being a visible and responsive MP, I want to ensure that issues concerning affordable housing, economic development, the opioid crisis and the protection of the environment are addressed. I have had the opportunity to grow up in the constituency. I would like to give back to the community that gave me the foundation for success.<\/p>\nMeghan Shannon
\n<\/strong>If elected, I will be accessible, work hard, and listen to the needs of the entire community. I intend to work with all levels of government, business leaders, community groups, hard \u2013working families, and all individuals in the riding, on the issues that matter the most to them.<\/p>\nHolly Thompson
\n<\/strong>Did not respond
\nUpdate June 28: Doppler received a late reply today from Holly Thompson’s campaign office. For details on where she stands regarding issues affecting Parry Sound-Muskoka, please contact her campaign office via her website. (Link in the bio below.)<\/p>\nBios<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com\/2019\/06\/PC-Scott-Aitchison.jpg\")
Scott Aitchison<\/strong><\/p>\nIn 1994 at the age of 21, Scott Aitchison became the youngest individual ever elected to Huntsville Town Council and Muskoka District Council. Throughout his service Scott has been a member and chaired numerous committees. In 2014 he was elected as Mayor. In 2018 he was re-elected as Mayor. Scott has focused on financial responsibility, citizen engagement, economic development and job creation. Also on sustainability, attainable housing and healthcare. (From huntsville.ca. Learn more at facebook.com\/CPCCandidate)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com\/2019\/06\/PC-Alan-Fraser-e1561505593717.jpg\")
Alan Fraser<\/strong><\/p>\nI grew up in Bracebridge. I attended Monck Public School for grade school and Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School for high school. For the last thirty years, my father has proudly operated a small business in Bracebridge. My mother is a retired healthcare professional who cared for the elderly in Muskoka. I have lived in the riding year-round. I know what it is like to grow up in the riding: the challenges and the opportunities. After completing my political science and history undergraduate degree at Trinity College, University of Toronto, I attended the University of Edinburgh for my Bachelor of Laws. I returned home to Muskoka for a period of time to work in my family’s small business. More recently, I completed the Global Professional Master of Laws at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law. For the last two years, I have worked in the financial services industry. (From alanfraser.ca)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com\/2019\/06\/PC-Meghan-Shannon.jpg\")
Meghan Shannon<\/strong><\/p>\nI was born and raised in the beautiful community of MacTier. After graduating from Parry Sound High School, I attended the University of Guelph and the University of Waterloo where I earned a Master\u2019s Degree and a PhD in the field of Rural Economic Development. While completing my education, I took a position as the manager of a youth shelter that housed young adults battling addiction, trauma, and mental health issues. I\u2019ve now come home to represent the great people who live in this riding. (Submitted. Learn more at meghanshannon2019.ca.)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com\/2019\/06\/PC-Holly-Thompson.jpg\")
Holly Thompson<\/strong><\/p>\nI have always felt a deep connection to Parry Sound-Muskoka, and have spent a lot of my life in Bala. My family has been in Bala for five generations. I got married to my wonderful husband Mike in Bala. I earned my first pay-cheque in Bala, and earned many more over the years working from Gravenhurst to Port Sydney… I\u2019m a graduate of the Smith School of Business at Queen\u2019s University, following which I worked at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers for the last 8 years. I recently departed PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Vice-President in order to pursue the nomination to work for you. As an accountant, fiscal responsibility is my priority when it comes to solving just about any problem… I am a lifelong conservative. I\u2019ve been the CFO and sat on the board of local riding associations. I\u2019ve played an active role in federal and provincial conservative campaigns across Ontario… (From hollythompson.ca)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\nThe Conservative nomination vote for Parry Sound-Muskoka will take place on July 7 in Bracebridge. Of the other major parties in the region, two have already selected candidates for this election\u2014Trisha Cowie was acclaimed for the Liberals on May 8; Tom Young was acclaimed for the NDP on June 23. The Green Party has not yet announced a candidate for Parry Sound-Muskoka.<\/p>\n
The federal election is currently scheduled for October 21, 2019.<\/p>\n
Watch for more coverage about all of the federal candidates in Parry Sound-Muskoka on Huntsville Doppler in the coming months.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Our candidate will have to articulate the message of our party and must demonstrate the ability to effectively debate issues with opposing candidates. Our candidate must not overreact to the attacks of the other parties while continuing to share our positive message. I have demonstrated these abilities many times in municipal elections. I am the most effective public speaker and debater of the four candidates and I have the experience required to win.<\/p>\n
Alan Fraser Meghan Shannon Holly Thompson Scott Aitchison Alan Fraser Meghan Shannon Holly Thompson Scott Aitchison Alan Fraser Meghan Shannon Holly Thompson Scott Aitchison Alan Fraser Meghan Shannon Holly Thompson In 1994 at the age of 21, Scott Aitchison became the youngest individual ever elected to Huntsville Town Council and Muskoka District Council. Throughout his service Scott has been a member and chaired numerous committees. In 2014 he was elected as Mayor. In 2018 he was re-elected as Mayor. Scott has focused on financial responsibility, citizen engagement, economic development and job creation. Also on sustainability, attainable housing and healthcare. (From huntsville.ca. Learn more at facebook.com\/CPCCandidate)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I grew up in Bracebridge. I attended Monck Public School for grade school and Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School for high school. For the last thirty years, my father has proudly operated a small business in Bracebridge. My mother is a retired healthcare professional who cared for the elderly in Muskoka. I have lived in the riding year-round. I know what it is like to grow up in the riding: the challenges and the opportunities. After completing my political science and history undergraduate degree at Trinity College, University of Toronto, I attended the University of Edinburgh for my Bachelor of Laws. I returned home to Muskoka for a period of time to work in my family’s small business. More recently, I completed the Global Professional Master of Laws at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law. For the last two years, I have worked in the financial services industry. (From alanfraser.ca)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I was born and raised in the beautiful community of MacTier. After graduating from Parry Sound High School, I attended the University of Guelph and the University of Waterloo where I earned a Master\u2019s Degree and a PhD in the field of Rural Economic Development. While completing my education, I took a position as the manager of a youth shelter that housed young adults battling addiction, trauma, and mental health issues. I\u2019ve now come home to represent the great people who live in this riding. (Submitted. Learn more at meghanshannon2019.ca.)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I have always felt a deep connection to Parry Sound-Muskoka, and have spent a lot of my life in Bala. My family has been in Bala for five generations. I got married to my wonderful husband Mike in Bala. I earned my first pay-cheque in Bala, and earned many more over the years working from Gravenhurst to Port Sydney… I\u2019m a graduate of the Smith School of Business at Queen\u2019s University, following which I worked at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers for the last 8 years. I recently departed PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Vice-President in order to pursue the nomination to work for you. As an accountant, fiscal responsibility is my priority when it comes to solving just about any problem… I am a lifelong conservative. I\u2019ve been the CFO and sat on the board of local riding associations. I\u2019ve played an active role in federal and provincial conservative campaigns across Ontario… (From hollythompson.ca)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n The Conservative nomination vote for Parry Sound-Muskoka will take place on July 7 in Bracebridge. Of the other major parties in the region, two have already selected candidates for this election\u2014Trisha Cowie was acclaimed for the Liberals on May 8; Tom Young was acclaimed for the NDP on June 23. The Green Party has not yet announced a candidate for Parry Sound-Muskoka.<\/p>\n The federal election is currently scheduled for October 21, 2019.<\/p>\n Watch for more coverage about all of the federal candidates in Parry Sound-Muskoka on Huntsville Doppler in the coming months.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>I have the experience and education to represent the constituents of Parry Sound-Muskoka as the Member of Parliament. I am familiar with the institutions of the federal government. As a lawyer, my skills are directly applicable to the role of MP. Working on complex, international investment disputes has exposed me to unique experiences that are directly applicable as an MP. As a volunteer and director of a charity, I have worked with the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence to support Canadian Forces families obtain post-secondary education. Furthermore, I grew up in Bracebridge. I\u2019m a local candidate who understands the challenges and successes the constituents face in the riding. I have worked in a local small business that has operated in the constituency for 30 years. This combination of experience and education will assist me in ensuring that the interests of Parry Sound-Muskoka are well-represented in Ottawa.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>I believe that my educational background and work experience, combined with my personal knowledge of this area, makes me the ideal candidate to represent the Conservative<\/span> Party in Parry Sound-Muskoka. The work I’ve done over the past decade, researching and consulting with rural communities in Canada on issues pertaining to small business, resource management and economic diversification, makes me a highly qualified candidate to serve the riding. Earning a PhD in the field of rural economic development required collaboration and consultation with all levels of government, and the civic and private sectors, which is incredibly important when working towards solving local issues. My experience managing a non-profit agency and advocating on behalf of youth makes me a well-rounded candidate; able to work with a diverse population with differing needs.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/strong>Did not respond
\nUpdate June 28: Doppler received a late reply today from Holly Thompson’s campaign office. For details on where she stands regarding issues affecting Parry Sound-Muskoka, please contact her campaign office via her website. (Link in the bio below.)<\/p>\n2. What federal issue do you think most resonates with the people in this area?<\/h4>\n
\n<\/strong>Housing. The housing issue in Parry Sound-Muskoka is a social and economic challenge. Lack of housing affects businesses who cannot find people to fill open positions because the employees they attract cannot find a place to live that they can afford and there are too many people in our communities who are struggling to find adequate housing to rent or to purchase.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>There are several pressing issues in the riding. Affordable housing is an issue that arises time and again at the all-candidates meetings. Having a home is imperative for anyone wishing to maintain a sustained and well-paying job. If you have no home to return to, how can a primary income earner maintain a job? How can a young family survive? Without a home, constituents can end up couch surfing. The lack of affordable housing can lead to more serious societal issues including substance and alcohol abuse. Affordable housing and economic development are interconnected. Parry Sound-Muskoka requires an MP who will work with all three levels of government to implement an affordable housing strategy\u2014a strategy where the federal government is present at the discussion table with innovative ideas and funding.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Through extensive traveling across the riding, knocking on hundreds of doors and meeting with many community leaders, I am hearing a broad range of issues that are important to the residents of Parry Sound-Muskoka. These include a host of issues relating to regional economic development, housing, conservation, supporting seniors, affordability and the cost of living, and defending our freedoms\u2014for example, the right to lawfully own firearms.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Did not respond
\nUpdate June 28: Doppler received a late reply today from Holly Thompson’s campaign office. For details on where she stands regarding issues affecting Parry Sound-Muskoka, please contact her campaign office via her website. (Link in the bio below.)<\/p>\n3. What in your party’s platform do you not agree with? Why?<\/h4>\n
\n<\/strong>I agree with the party platform.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Choosing a political affiliation\u2014a right which some might take for granted\u2014is not something to be taken lightly. I am running for the Conservative nomination in Parry Sound-Muskoka and as such I must support the policies of my party. However, the Conservative Party, in Section 7 of its Policy Declaration, explicitly highlights the importance of free votes. This principle ensures that democratic accountability and my ability to represent the constituents of Parry Sound-Muskoka is not restricted by party politics. I would encourage anyone wishing to debate or change the platform to get involved in party politics. We need more young people involved in our democratic institutions and decision-making.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>As a delegate at the 2018 Conservative National Convention, I voted on many policies found in the party platform\u2014a platform to which I support.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Did not respond
\nUpdate June 28: Doppler received a late reply today from Holly Thompson’s campaign office. For details on where she stands regarding issues affecting Parry Sound-Muskoka, please contact her campaign office via her website. (Link in the bio below.)<\/p>\n4. If elected, what will you do for this riding?<\/h4>\n
\n<\/strong>If elected, I will continue in the manner I have executed the office of Mayor Huntsville\u2014I will work hard everyday to help make life better for all the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The constituency of Parry Sound-Muskoka has had excellent representation over the decades, whether it was Stan Darling, Andy Mitchell, or Tony Clement. Our Members of Parliament have served our community well. As your Member of Parliament, I will continue this dedication to the community, ensuring that I represent all of the voices of Parry Sound-Muskoka. Your MP should be accessible and I promise to make myself available to the constituents. But beyond just being a visible and responsive MP, I want to ensure that issues concerning affordable housing, economic development, the opioid crisis and the protection of the environment are addressed. I have had the opportunity to grow up in the constituency. I would like to give back to the community that gave me the foundation for success.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>If elected, I will be accessible, work hard, and listen to the needs of the entire community. I intend to work with all levels of government, business leaders, community groups, hard \u2013working families, and all individuals in the riding, on the issues that matter the most to them.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Did not respond
\nUpdate June 28: Doppler received a late reply today from Holly Thompson’s campaign office. For details on where she stands regarding issues affecting Parry Sound-Muskoka, please contact her campaign office via her website. (Link in the bio below.)<\/p>\nBios<\/h4>\n
Scott Aitchison<\/strong><\/p>\nAlan Fraser<\/strong><\/p>\nMeghan Shannon<\/strong><\/p>\nHolly Thompson<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n