The provincial election is coming up February 27th…and myFM is helping you get to know our LOCAL CANDIDATES.
Ian Burbidge has stepped forward as the Liberal candidate for Huron-Bruce in the upcoming provincial election, motivated by his commitment to public education, universal healthcare, and environmental protection. Though initially searching for a strong candidate to represent the party, Burbidge decided to take on the role himself when Premier Doug Ford called an unexpected election.
Burbidge, a retired teacher with deep roots in Bruce County, has lived in the area since 1983. Originally from Norfolk County, he moved to Kincardine before settling in Port Elgin.
Burbidge identifies affordability, healthcare, and climate change as the most pressing concerns for Huron-Bruce. He acknowledges the economic pressures brought on by inflation and fears that potential tariffs could further impact the region’s financial stability. He is particularly focused on improving access to healthcare, noting that many residents struggle to find a family doctor, and emergency room closures have become increasingly common.
Climate change is another major concern for Burbidge. He observes that while Huron-Bruce has not faced the extreme climate disasters seen elsewhere, the region is still experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Additionally, Burbidge emphasizes the importance of preserving agricultural land. While he supports development, he believes better planning is needed to ensure that rural areas maintain a balance between growth and environmental protection.
Burbidge supports his party’s ambitious healthcare pledge to ensure every Ontarian has access to a family doctor within four years. While he acknowledges the difficulty of this goal, he believes that by expanding medical school spaces, accelerating the certification of foreign-trained doctors, and offering incentives to keep family doctors working longer, significant progress can be made.
On a broader level, Burbidge is committed to amplifying the voices of small-town and rural Ontario at Queen’s Park.
In a unique decision, Burbidge’s campaign has opted not to use traditional lawn signs, citing environmental concerns. Having seen the waste generated by previous campaigns, he and his team chose to focus on radio, social media, and direct engagement with voters instead.
As the election campaign moves forward, Burbidge is eager to continue listening to the residents of Huron-Bruce and advocating for policies that address their most urgent needs.