Ford appoints Collingwood mayor PC candidate for Simcoe-Grey

The Ontario PC Party has announced that Collingwood mayor Brian Saunderson has been named candidate for the riding of Simcoe-Grey for the 2022 provincial election.

“I know Brian will be a strong representative for the people in Simcoe-Grey given his current experience as the Mayor of Collingwood, a lawyer, community advocate and athlete,” said Premier Doug Ford in a press release Friday. “I look forward to having Brian join our team for the next provincial election.”

Saunderson has served in municipal politics since 2014 and was elected as the Mayor of Collingwood in 2018. The PCs say Saunderson has championed fiscal responsibility and the integrity of municipal governance striving to improve transparency and accountability. The Town of Collingwood reduced its external debt from approximately $35 million in 2015 to approximately $20 million in 2019. During that same time period, Collingwood advanced from a net deficit position of approximately $6 million in 2015 to a net surplus position of $34 million in 2019.

Prior to being elected, Saunderson practiced law for 22 years primarily focusing on civil litigation, real estate, wills and estates and corporation law. He also taught business law ethics at the Georgian College in Barrie.

Saunderson was also a member of the Canadian National Rowing Team and competed at two Olympic Games, three World Championships, winning a silver medal in 1990 as a member of the Men’s Eight.

“I have lived and served the people of Simcoe-Grey for many years and know firsthand the issues we face, from growth pressures to health care, job creation to protecting our incredible green spaces. I want to take my experience to Queen’s Park, to be your representative and your voice on what matters to you,” said Saunderson.