Video: Community Hears from Five MPP Candidates at Final Debate in Owen Sound
BGOS MPP candidates Paul Vickers, PC, and Michael Butt, Libertarian, declined to participate in the healthcare and climate-focused debate on Monday evening.
The Grey Bruce Climate Action Network and the Grey Bruce Health Coalition held the final all candidates meeting of this provincial election cycle on Monday evening at the Harmony Centre. At issue: all things climate change, healthcare, and our region's future.
Five of the eight candidates for BGOS MPP attended, those being:
Ann Gillies – Stop the New Sex-Ed Agenda
Vincent Grimaldi – New Blue Party
James Cameron Harris – New Democratic Party
Selwyn Hicks – Liberal Party
Joel Loughead – Green Party
According to organizers, Michael Butt of the Libertarian Party and Paul Vickers of the Progressive Conservative Party declined the invitation to participate.
Editor’s note: This article originally said six candidates participated based on the announcement that two declined. However, organizers have since confirmed that the Alliance candidate couldn’t be reached and was not in attendance, either.
Norah Beatty and David Walton served as moderators, representing the Grey Bruce Health Coalition and Climate Action Team, respectively. Candidates were seated in random order on the stage.
Candidates were given up to two minutes to introduce themselves. Organizers prepared two questions on healthcare and two on climate change, and candidates were limited to 90 seconds per response. Candidates were also given 90 seconds each for closing remarks.
The second half of the event featured audience questions submitted in writing.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound candidates debated healthcare, climate change, housing, affordability, and local development. Each candidate presented a distinct vision for the province, with strong differences on government spending, privatization, and environmental policy.
Healthcare & Privatization
Candidates clashed over the best way to fix rural healthcare. Some pushed for major investments in public hospitals, hiring more doctors and nurses, and expanding team-based healthcare. Others focused on cutting government waste, reversing healthcare mandates, and supporting private-sector involvement. Several emphasized the need for preventative care and alternative medicine to reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Climate Change & Development
Urban sprawl and farmland protection sparked debate. Some argued for stronger environmental regulations, public transportation expansion, and renewable energy investment. Others questioned the impact of human-driven climate change and pushed for a balance between economic growth and environmental policy. Candidates split on whether government intervention or private-sector solutions should drive Ontario’s climate strategy.
Housing & Affordability
Rising housing costs and the lack of affordable homes drove a heated discussion. Some called for rent control, zoning reforms for denser housing, and large-scale public housing projects. Others blamed high taxes and regulations for the crisis, arguing that reducing government interference would lower building costs and increase supply.
Local Development & Energy Projects
A proposed $7 billion energy storage facility in the region divided candidates. Some condemned it as an environmental and financial disaster. Others demanded greater transparency, Indigenous consultation, and stronger evidence of its benefits before proceeding.
Truth & Reconciliation
Candidates agreed on the need to work with Indigenous communities but disagreed on how to do it. Some pushed for formalized government-to-government partnerships and Indigenous-led economic initiatives. Others focused on general commitments to collaboration and respect.
Election Outlook
The debate exposed deep divides in policy and priorities. Some candidates championed aggressive government intervention in healthcare, housing, and climate action. Others called for deregulation, lower taxes, and a reduced government role. The governing party’s candidate did not attend, drawing criticism for failing to engage with voters.
Voters now face a clear choice: stay the course or embrace a new direction.
Visit our ‘Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Votes: 2025 Provincial Election Guide’ to learn more about the candidates, Election Day, and the issues at stake in this election.
The nearly two-hour debate was aired live on Rogers TV. You can watch the recording below.
would have been alright to hear which candidates were advocating what instead of reporting about "some candidates " vs "other candidaes". how many people were in attendance?