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.
Jim Belanger
Conservative Party of Canada
Tell us about yourself
I’m Jim Belanger, a lifelong Northern Ontarian with deep roots in Sudbury East–Manitoulin–Nickel Belt. I’ve spent my career working across sectors — from business and local infrastructure to community development — and I understand the challenges facing both rural and working families. I’m bilingual, proud of our Northern culture, and committed to practical solutions that improve everyday life. I stand with Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party because I believe in restoring affordability, cutting red tape, and making life easier for Canadians. My goal is to be a strong, steady voice for the North — fighting for jobs, housing, and services that reflect our region’s unique needs and values.
What are you hearing when door-knocking?
At the doors, I’m hearing the same message across Sudbury East–Manitoulin–Nickel Belt: life is getting too expensive. People are working harder but falling further behind. Seniors are worried about heating bills. Young families can’t find affordable housing. Small business owners are buried in red tape. People feel like Ottawa has forgotten the North. They want a government that will bring back common sense — one that lowers taxes, respects hard work, and restores affordability. Voters are ready for change, and they’re responding positively to our plan to put Canadians back in control of their lives.
What would you do about cost of living pressures in your riding?
The cost of living is the number one concern I hear from Canadians coast to coast. People are working harder than ever, but falling further behind — struggling to afford groceries, gas, housing, and heating.
Pierre Poilievre has a plan to bring home lower prices by:
Scrapping the carbon tax to immediately lower fuel, food, and heating costs.
Balancing the budget to fight inflation and reduce interest rates.
Removing gatekeepers to speed up homebuilding and lower housing prices.
Cutting income taxes by 15% so workers keep more of their pay.
We’ll eliminate sales tax on new homes and Canadian-made vehicles, making ownership more affordable. To reward hard work, we’ll cut red tape by 25% and implement a “Two-for-One Rule” — scrapping two old regulations for every new one.
Northerners should never have to choose between heating and eating — and under a Conservative government, they won’t have to.
Why should someone vote for you?
I’m running to bring common sense back to government. As a proud Northerner, I understand the challenges families face in Sudbury East–Manitoulin–Nickel Belt — from the rising cost of living to the housing crisis and lack of local services. I’ll be a strong voice for our region, focused on practical solutions: lowering taxes, building homes, supporting responsible resource development, and defending our rural way of life. I believe government should work for the people, not the other way around. It’s time for change, and I’m ready to deliver.
What is your position on tariffs and the trade war?
Canada must stand up for its workers and industries, especially here in the North, where trade impacts mining, agriculture, and forestry. I support fair, free trade — not one-sided deals that put Canadian jobs at risk. Tariffs should be used only when absolutely necessary to defend Canadian interests, not as political tools. A Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre will focus on expanding trade with democratic allies, reducing red tape at the border, and making Canada a strong, reliable trading partner. We’ll fight for deals that benefit Canadians — not just Ottawa lobbyists.
What are potential solutions to housing affordability and homelessness?
Housing affordability is a crisis across Canada — and Northerners are hit hard. A Conservative government has a clear plan: build more homes, not more bureaucracy. We’ll require municipalities to boost homebuilding by 15% annually to access federal infrastructure funding, tying dollars to results, not red tape.
To speed things up, we’ll cut gatekeepers and reward fast approvals. We’ll sell off 15% of underused federal buildings and land, turning them into homes — especially where land is limited.
We’re focused on what Canadians need: starter homes, rentals, and affordable options for first-time buyers. For those facing homelessness, we’ll go beyond shelters — partnering with provinces and communities to support addiction recovery, mental health, and long-term housing.
Housing is a basic need — and under a Conservative government, more Canadians will have a safe, affordable place to call home.
Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?
I believe our region has incredible potential — but we need leadership that puts people before politics. I’m committed to standing up for Northern Ontario, cutting wasteful spending, protecting our freedoms, and delivering real results. Whether it’s making life more affordable, restoring safe streets, or building opportunity for the next generation, I’ll work every day to earn your trust. I want to thank everyone I’ve met at the doors — your stories and concerns are what drive me. On April 28th, I’m asking for your vote to bring common sense back to Ottawa.
