August 2025 News
Harrow Fair Parade | August 31, 2025
It was a beautiful sunny day for the Harrow Fair Parade!
It is always good to see familiar faces and feel the excitement and anticipation of the crowds! I enjoy seeing the children’s smiles and meeting the fur friends along the way!
What a great to end the summer!
Happy Labour Day! | August 31, 2025
Happy Labour Day weekend!
Thank you to the hardworking men and women who keep our communities strong. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable long weekend with family and friends.
Meeting the Fire Chief | August 30, 2025
An introductory meeting with the new Fire Chief in Amherstburg Fire Department, Michael Mio, was very appreciated.
He shared the crucial needs for a new fire truck, fire station and more firefighters.
We discussed emergency preparedness plans and solutions to some of the areas of concern. Chief Mio comes with a lot of incredible experience and a focus on keeping the residents of Amherstburg safe. I look forward to our future conversations!
Dinner With the Mayor | August 29, 2025
It was a great dinner with Dennis Rogers-Mayor of Kingsville at O’ Sarracino Trattoria & Wine Bar, in the Town of Kingsville, this week.
Thank you Mayor, for the good conversation about our Town.
Ure’s Country Kitchen | August 29, 2025
Another lunch on the go! A quick stop at, Ure’s Country Kitchen, for a quick bite on my way from Harrow to the Town of Amherstburg.
The homemade food is satisfying, the service is fantastic and the welcome warms my heart. I always appreciate the chance to stop in.
I was hoping for a quick game of mini-golf but will save that for my next visit!
Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association | August 29, 2025
Supporting over 100,000 Canadian jobs and contributing billions of dollars to Canada’s economy, the members of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association are doing their part to invest in skilled trades and tourism. We have a number of Recreation Vehicle Dealerships across Essex County.
I was pleased to meet with Rob at Renaud RV Sales, this week, to hear about how federal policy decisions are affecting businesses, like his, and his customers.
Harrow Fair Pie Auction | August 28, 2025
The 171st Harrow Fair and the annual Pie Auction mark the last of the “lazy days of summer” and the transition back to school, on the Essex County calendar.
I am always happy to support these fundraising efforts for the John McGivney Children’s Centre and enjoy the local baked pies! Pumpkin this year!
Head out to the Harrow Fair this weekend! See you Saturday, at the parade!
Worst Youth Employment in 27 Years | August 28, 2025
Canada’s job market is struggling under these Liberals — especially for young Canadians.
StatsCan: Youth employment rate dropped to 53.6% in July — lowest since 1998 (outside pandemic). Youth unemployment: 14.6% — levels usually seen only in recessions. 37,000 more Canadians forced onto EI since Carney was sworn in — a 7.4% increase in 3 months. Jobs in manufacturing, construction, and healthcare hit hardest.Canadians need a real plan to unleash our economy, create jobs, and secure a better future for the next generation.
Muscedere Vineyards | August 27, 2025
Enjoyed a lunch meeting, yesterday, at Muscedere Vineyards, in the heart of Essex County.
Fantastic wood-fired pizza and Muscedere wine – a perfect pairing.
If you have never visited Muscedere Vineyards, you should take the drive down County Rd 18 in Harrow – you won’t be disappointed!
Canadian Cancer Society | August 26, 2025
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating on so many levels. Having solid financial supports and the best medical treatments available are foundational for successfully navigating this journey.
Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) provides vital support through programs and services for people with cancer, their loved ones and care givers. It was a productive meeting with Sarah and provided better understanding of the current challenges CCS has identified affecting people with cancer and CCS’ proposed solutions.
Let’s Fix Immigration | August 26, 2025
Immigration Status is not a “get out of jail free” Card.
Last week, a violent offender in B.C. received a lighter sentence simply to avoid deportation. That is wrong. Victims deserve justice, and Canadians deserve safety.
Conservatives will put an end to this two-tier system. If a non-citizen commits a serious crime, they should face the same penalties as anyone else — and be deported. End of story.
River Town Times | August 25, 2025
Such an honour to celebrate the River Town Times on its 30th anniversary with the inspiring owners — Ron Giofu, Laura D’Alessandro, and Dominic D’Alessandro — surrounded by friends, family, and community leaders!
Thank you to the incredible team for your unwavering dedication, passion, and vision in keeping the community connected and informed. Your commitment to local journalism has made a lasting impact over the years.
Congratulations on this incredible milestone — here’s to many more!
“The town is a testament of why we are still here”
~ Laura D’Alessandro
StatsCan CPI Report | August 24, 2025
Canadians continue to feel the squeeze. The latest CPI numbers show:
-CPI up 1.7% in July
-Excluding gas, CPI up 2.5%
-Shelter prices up 3% year over year
-Rent up 5.1%
-Food prices up 3.4% in July (from 2.8% in June)
-Fresh fruit: +3.9%
-Meat: +5.7%
-Coffee: +28.6%
Since July 2020, Canadians are paying 27.1% more for food in stores.
Food and shelter aren’t luxuries. They’re essentials — and rising costs are hitting families hardest.
It’s time to rein in wasteful government spending and bring relief to Canadians.
Employment Insurance Stats | August 22, 2025
New StatsCan data shows the number of Canadians receiving Employment Insurance continues to rise.
Since March, when Mark Carney was sworn in, 37,000 more Canadians have turned to EI — an increase of 7.4%. In June alone, EI recipients grew by 18,000 compared to May. Year-over-year, the number of Canadians receiving EI is up by 61,630, or 12.8%. Unemployment remains high: nearly 7% for adults and 14.6% for youth.Provincial breakdown for June:
Quebec: +7,300 (+6.1%)
Ontario: +7,900 (+4.5%)
Alberta: +1,300 (+2.3%)
Newfoundland & Labrador: +600 (+2.0%)
Saskatchewan: +300 (+1.8%)
These numbers show the urgency of getting Canada’s economy moving again and creating opportunities for Canadians in every region.
The Conservative Plan | August 21, 2025
Communities across Canada are facing a surge of violence and extortion:
-Violent crime is up 54% since 2015
-Sexual assaults up 75%
-Extortion up 330% nationwide (↑582% in BC, ↑338% in Vancouver)
Small business owners in Brampton, Surrey, Vancouver, and Calgary have been targeted with threats and intimidation.
Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives have a plan to restore safety:
Ban the Bishnoi Gang – List it as a terrorist entity, giving police stronger tools to dismantle it. Stop Extortion – Mandatory jail: 3 years minimum, 4 with a gun, 5 tied to organized crime. Jail not Bail – End Liberal catch-and-release laws (C-5 & C-75) so violent offenders stay behind bars.Families and small businesses deserve safe communities. Conservatives will end extortion and restore law and order.
If you care about Canada’s future, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Conservatives will bring relief by cutting wasteful government spending, ending costly bureaucracy and foreign handouts, and making life more affordable for Canadian families.
Check out Pierre’s Podcast | August 20, 2025
Watch here: Pierre Poilievre joins another podcast for an unfiltered discussion on the state of Canada under Mark Carney’s Liberals.
He exposes fraudulent policies and power grabs. Warns against growing government dependency. Calls out political theatre that distracts from real issues. Pushes back on economic control by force—not freedom.If you care about Canada’s future, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Conservatives will bring relief by cutting wasteful government spending, ending costly bureaucracy and foreign handouts, and making life more affordable for Canadian families.
Consumer Price Index Increase | August 20, 2025
StatsCan reports Canada’s Consumer Price Index rose 1.7% in July. Excluding gasoline, inflation was 2.5%.
Key increases Canadians are facing:
-Food from stores up 27.1% since July 2020
-Food in July alone up 3.4% (fresh fruit +3.9%, meat +5.7%, coffee +28.6%)
-Shelter costs up 3% year over year
-Rent up 5.1%
These aren’t luxuries—food and housing take the biggest share of every family’s paycheck.
Conservatives will bring relief by cutting wasteful government spending, ending costly bureaucracy and foreign handouts, and making life more affordable for Canadian families.
Congratulations Pierre! | August 19, 2025
Congratulations to Pierre Poilievre on his decisive election win last night. Canadians are ready for his common-sense Conservative leadership back in the House of Commons.
Despite the longest ballot scheme, Pierre won with a strong mandate to stand up for Canadians and provide the leadership our country needs.
We are here. We are ready. And we are not backing down.
Scrap the EV Mandate | August 18, 2025
Canada’s auto industry is already under enormous stress with U.S. tariffs, and industry leaders say there is no path to meeting the government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle mandate of 20% by 2026.
Experts warn this policy will mean fewer vehicle sales, higher prices, and lost jobs. Starting next year, gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles will be capped, with a $20,000 tax per car above the quota. Nearly 50 Ontario mayors and major auto manufacturers have urged the government to scrap the mandate.
A Canadian Journal of Economics study projects 38,000 jobs lost within five years, with the auto sector at risk of shutting down. CAA also found EVs lose up to 40% of their battery life in Canadian winters—raising concerns for families and workers who rely on long-distance driving.
Do you support a government mandate for EVs? If so, why?
Amherstburg Pistol Club | August 15, 2025
I always appreciate the opportunity to meet with legal gun owners and support their efforts to promote safe, responsible shooting sports both now and for the next generation.
Thanks Amherstburg Pistol Club for a good evening!
Cedar Island Yacht Club | August 14, 2025
The Youth Sailing Committee of the Cedar Island Yacht Club has really created something special with their summer program. The sailing program does so much more than teach youth how to sail. It builds camaraderie, responsibility, the spirit of team work, and leadership skills.
It was a privilege to honour Michael Lippmann with the Bryan Stewart Youth Sailing Memorial Award for his commitment to serving the Youth Sailing Program. Michael has become more than an advocate for youth sailing but a friend and mentor to many.
Canadian Sovereignty Act | August 14, 2025
Canada faces growing economic threats from new foreign tariffs and stalled development at home. The Canadian Sovereignty Act is a call to action to strengthen our economy, protect Canadian innovation, and get major projects moving.
Key actions include:
>Repealing laws that block resource development and increase costs for Canadians.
>Rewarding provinces that open markets and removing capital gains tax on reinvestments in Canada.
>Safeguarding Canadian inventions and discoveries from being sold abroad.
The goal: get shovels in the ground on two major pipelines, a Ring of Fire road, and a new LNG project within the year—while respecting Indigenous rights. Canada must act now to restore our economic sovereignty and secure a stronger future.
Canada’s Conservatives are calling on Prime Minister Carney to do what he promised, build at a scale we haven’t seen in generations and work with Conservatives to restore Canada’s sovereignty in the face of American threats.
Labour Force Survey | August 13, 2025
StatsCan released their July Labour Force Survey today which found that 41,000 Canadians lost their jobs last month.
This is the highest share of long-term unemployment since February 1998 (excluding the pandemic).
Leamington Raceway | August 11, 2025
The Opening Ceremonies yesterday were absolutely awesome with beautiful weather and high spirits at Leamington Raceway, hosted by the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association, with Live Harness Racing, great giveaways and fun for the whole family!
Thank you to everyone whose hard work makes these events possible.
Best of luck that everyone picks the right horse!!
Canadian Sovereignty Act | August 11, 2025
Last week we unveiled the Canadian Sovereignty Act and a call to action, a plan to counter illegal foreign tariffs, legalize resource development and get Canada back to work.
Legalize rapid resource development by repealing:
· Bill C-69, which made it nearly impossible to build pipelines and mines.
· Bill C-48, which banned oil tankers on Canada’s west coast.
· The industrial carbon tax, which raises costs on everything for all Canadians.
· The oil and gas cap that kills jobs.
· The EV sales mandate that will increase the price of a gas-powered car by
$20,000.
· The Plastics Ban that blocks growth.
· The Liberal censorship law targeting energy companies, which gags producers
from defending their work and promoting Canadian energy.
· These growth-blocking Liberal laws keep Canada weak and reliant on the
Americans.
Comber Fair | August 9, 2025
Great to meet with Luke and Nicole at the Comber Fair!
Thank you for your commitment to being leaders with the 4-H Club!
Comber Fair Parade | August 9, 2025
It was a pleasure and honour to participate in the 166th Comber Fair parade!! What a fantastic turnout!!
Thank you to all who came out and for those who attended, and for those involved in making this event possible!! Your hard work made this event truly exceptional.
Essex County Steam & Gas Engine parade | August 9, 2025
What a great turnout at the 39th Essex County Steam & Gas Engine parade in McGregor!
Our team had a great time greeting and celebrating with the fine folks of McGregor!
A big thank to the coordinators, organizations and volunteers who made this event possible.
Comber Fair Opening Ceremonies | August 9, 2025
It was my pleasure and honour to attend the 166th Comber Fair Opening Ceremonies!!
As my first official event representing the great folks of Comber, I very much appreciated the warm welcome. It was amazing to experience the talents and personalities that make up this vibrant community!
Congrats to everyone involved in making this possible, your hard work made this event truly exceptional.
Congratulations also to the bursary recipients! I am always amazed by the dreams and goals that drive the next generation to help make the world a better place.
I wish you all a fantastic weekend celebrating your special achievements!
Royal Canadian Legion in Comber | August 9, 2025
I enjoyed an excellent Friday Night Perch Dinner at the Comber Legion Br 241!
Branch #241 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Comber has always been a major sponsor of area groups and projects and continues to do so, including the Comber Fair, Victoria Day fireworks display, the Comber scouting and Comber softball and many others. The branch plays an important role in the village of Comber.
Thank you everyone who made the Perch Dinner possible and a success;
and thank you to RCL Branch #241 for your continued contribution and positive impact in the community!
Fishing with MP Epp | August 8, 2025
It was a pleasure to welcome and host MP Dave Epp (Chatham-Kent-Leamington) for a relaxing morning of walleye fishing. Dave was the winner catching two fish on one lure at the same time!
We are very fortunate to have an amazing fishery in the western basin of Lake Erie.
Headed to Ottawa | August 7, 2025
Off to Ottawa for a short trip full of meetings. See you all at the Comber fair on Friday night!
The Conservative Plan | August 7, 2025
President Trump’s new tariffs are a wake-up call—Canada must stand strong, build fast, and take back control of our economy. Conservatives are ready to work across party lines to get pipelines built, cut red tape, and protect Canadian innovation. It’s time to restore our sovereignty and make Canada self-reliant again—because that’s the leadership Canadians deserve.
Investing in Local Jobs | August 5, 2025
It was a privilege to attend the signing ceremony for the joint venture between Minth and AISIN right here in Windsor-Essex. This $300 million dollar investment will create thousands of local jobs and demonstrates the resilience of our region.
Thanks to all those involved in securing this investment. Conservatives will always support Canadian workers and the Windsor-Essex auto industry.
General Gun & Supply | August 4, 2025
While we were in the neighbourhood, we stopped by to visit our friends at General Gun & Supply. Serving this region since 1991, this family owned business offers a “healthy amount of firearms and accessories” along with other hunting gear.
Take a certified firearms safety course, visit the shooting range or talk equipment, the team are knowledgeable and a helpful support to our legal gun owning community.
Conservatives continue to stand with law abiding hunters and sport shooters to protect their rights and our heritage.
Meeting New Constituents | August 4, 2025
I always appreciate the opportunity to talk to the people of Essex. To get to know them and hear their stories- both challenges and triumphs.
With new area added back to our riding, I have enjoyed the many opportunities to engage with the residents I now represent.
By far my favourite is the individual conversations. Thank you, Mike and Deb Rostern, for reaching out and taking time to connect.
WECAR Meeting | August 4, 2025
It was a good meeting with Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS(WECAR). We discussed the national and local housing market and the challenges facing homeowners and those that would like to enter the housing market.
They confirmed what Conservatives have been saying for years “many young people have given up on thinking that they’ll ever be able to afford a home [in Ontario]”.
I appreciate the opportunity to hear from those on the industry frontline. Their knowledge and understanding provides great insight for me to take back to Ottawa.
Sun Parlour Rodeo | August 3, 2025
The Rodeo has been a longstanding tradition in this region and in recent years has boasted sold out crowds! It started in 2001, with the Sun Parlour Rodeo, sponsored by the Pavao family raising funds for charity for 22 years and recently, the Trimble family has stepped up to continue the tradition. The proceeds from the event will support local charities.
I always appreciate the opportunity to attend the rodeo, cheer on the competitors and connect with friends like Sarah Parks of Sarah Parks Horsemanship.
Thank you Trimble Family for continuing the heritage of the rodeo and horsemanship in Essex County!
Winery Tour | August 2, 2025
With a region that boasts nearly 2 dozen wineries, mostly on the Erie Shore, and quality wines that would rival the likes of Niagara and BC, it would only make sense to introduce our Team to some of our local wineries! The Team Lewis Ladies took their first EPIC Wine Tour that included Stops at:
• Colio Estates Winery
• Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
• Viewpoint Estate Winery
• Coopers Hawk Vineyards
and ended at Paglione Estate Winery, where I joined them for dinner.
It is always amazing to see and experience the incredible offerings of our region. Looking forward to the future local wine tours that will encompass the wineries that they missed this tour.
A sincere thank you also to Mike for renting a Pacifica and generously giving of his time to serve as tour guide, chauffeur, and designated driver for the ladies during the event. Your hospitality and kindness helped make the day extra special!
August Long Weekend | August 2, 2025
Happy August Long Weekend!
Wishing everyone in Essex and across Canada a safe, relaxing, and joyful long weekend with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying the sunshine, hitting the beach, or simply unwinding at home—make the most of it!
Liberals Miss U.S. Deadline | August 1, 2025
Canada missed the August 1st deadline to secure a deal with the U.S., and many Canadians are understandably disappointed. Unfair American tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, softwood, autos, and agriculture are putting jobs, families, and businesses at risk.
Conservatives believe Canada can chart a stronger path forward.
We will:
-Work across party lines to end the tariffs
-Rebuild our economic independence
-Cut taxes on work, energy, investment, and home building
-Repeal anti-development laws that hold us back
We’ll always put Canada first—by securing fair deals, protecting our industries, and restoring our sovereignty.