We have reached out to local candidates and asked them a series of questions that are on the mind of voters across the riding. Topics range from what they’re hearing at the door, positions on the trade war, cost of living pressures and more.
Here’s what they had to say, in their own words.
Geordie Sabbagh
Liberal Party of Canada
Tell us about yourself
Parry Sound–Muskoka is my home, and I know firsthand the challenges families and small businesses face—rising costs, tough financial choices, and the need for a place to call home. I live them every day myself. I built a small media business, creating jobs and managing multi-million-dollar projects. I serve as a volunteer firefighter in Huntsville, sit on the school parent council, and support local initiatives like Huntsville’s Got Talent. I grew up knowing the value of hard work, family, and community. Leadership starts with understanding—and I’m running to make sure Parry Sound–Muskoka has a seat at the table in a Liberal government that’s ready to deliver. Let’s grow our communities and build a country that leads with courage.
What are you hearing when door-knocking?
There’s a quiet fear I’m hearing at doors—about rising costs, losing control over our future, and what the Trump presidency could mean for Canada. I feel it, too. My business depends on trade with the U.S., and I’ve seen just how fragile that relationship is. But I’ve also seen something stronger: hope. People here aren’t giving up—they have ideas, resilience, and a deep pride in this community. We need to take back control—by breaking down trade barriers, building our local economy, and ensuring Canada can stand strong, no matter who’s in the White House. The answers are here. My job is to listen, advocate, and elevate those voices in Ottawa. People want someone local who understands our economy, lives the same challenges, and gets things done. That’s exactly why I’m running.
What would you do about cost of living pressures in your riding?
Like many here, I’ve struggled with the rising cost of groceries, housing, and always feeling behind. I support the Liberal plan to reduce everyday expenses—like groceries, child care, and home heating—while boosting support for rural households. I’ll fight to make sure new affordability programs reflect the reality in Parry Sound–Muskoka, where services are fewer, distances longer, and too many families are falling behind. That includes addressing healthcare pressures by advocating for more federal support to recruit and retain doctors, nurses, and PSWs in our region—because cost of living also means access to care, close to home.
Why should someone vote for you?
I’m not a career politician—I’m a small business owner, volunteer firefighter, and Dad. I’ve built companies, led teams, and helped solve problems here and around the world. With Mark Carney leading the next government, we need someone at the table so our voice is heard and we can help shape where our community, our children and our country are going. We cannot afford to be left behind.
What is your position on tariffs and the trade war?
My business depends on cross-border trade—so I know how tariffs can hurt local economies. That’s why we need to reduce our reliance on the U.S., open new markets, and break down interprovincial barriers. Mark Carney’s plan makes Canada Strong —growing a sovereign economy rooted in local business, fair trade, and innovation that supports rural regions like ours.
What are potential solutions to housing affordability and homelessness?
We already have answers here with local initiatives and community-led projects—we just need Ottawa to back us up. Local builders are ready to deliver more affordable homes, and organizations like the Muskoka Community Land Trust and YWCA are pioneering real solutions. I support the Liberal plan to build 3.87 million homes, including rentals and rural builds, by reducing costs and barriers to affordable development. Unlike the Conservatives, whose plan cuts taxes on homes up to $1.3 million, the Liberal approach prioritizes affordability—funding projects that help the people who need housing most. That’s how we grow strong, inclusive communities.
Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?
Parry Sound–Muskoka already has what Canada needs: innovation, resilience, and a community spirit that runs deep. We aren’t just cottage country; we have a diverse economy with a ton of innovation happening on our doorstep and I am here to advocate that we showcase our full potential so that our businesses thrive, our community is strong and our kids see a future here. This is an important election that will define the course of our communities and country for years to come.
