The cost of living has increased across Ontario, and particularly in medium and small communities like Carleton Place, Almonte, Perth, and Smiths Falls. These areas have experienced rapid growth in recent years, yet housing supply has failed to keep pace with demand, driving up the cost of homeownership and rent. Unfortunately, no major party has presented a comprehensive plan to tackle this crisis. If elected, I will push for bold, tangible solutions that address the root causes of the affordability challenges in our communities.

One of the key drivers of the housing crisis is the imbalance between supply and demand. The provincial government and municipalities must create incentives for developers to build a variety of housing types—single-family homes, townhouses, multiplexes, and rental units—at scale. Ontario already has tools to encourage homebuilding, but they are underutilized. I will advocate for reducing development fees and streamlining approval processes to accelerate construction. Additionally, I support banning exclusionary zoning to allow for more diverse housing options, including multi-tenant housing and "missing middle" developments like duplexes and triplexes.

Beyond housing, the rising cost of food and essentials is straining household budgets, particularly for families and those on fixed incomes. To provide immediate relief, I will push for the provincial government to reduce the PST portion of sales tax on manufactured food, children's clothing, and baby supplies. Lowering these costs will help ease the financial burden on young families and low-income residents. Additionally, I will support measures that strengthen Ontario’s local food supply chain to ensure greater resilience and affordability in grocery prices.

Another critical issue is the need for sustained investment in infrastructure to support growing communities. I will advocate for a more equitable distribution of tax revenues between the province and municipalities to prevent the "race-to-the-bottom" funding model that has left towns struggling to maintain essential services. Infrastructure such as wastewater treatment, stormwater management, roads, bridges, and emergency services must be properly funded to accommodate population growth without placing excessive financial pressure on local governments.

If elected, I will champion policies that make life more affordable by addressing the structural challenges in housing, taxation, and infrastructure investment. The provincial government must take decisive action to incentivize smart development, reduce costs for families, and ensure municipalities have the resources they need to thrive. By working collaboratively with all levels of government, we can build a more affordable and sustainable future for residents of Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston.