Conservative MP Doug Shipley is heading back to the nation’s capital with mixed emotions.
In the recent federal election, Shipley was elected for the third-consecutive time in Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, but his party, which once appeared primed to win a massive majority government, placed runner-up yet again to Liberals.
“We’d hoped that we’d be going back into power and government, but that didn’t work out,” Shipley told the Barrie Compass. “But we picked up a lot of extra seats, and that’s a nice sign.”
“I’m disappointed…, but nonetheless, we’ll be back making sure we’re doing our job, which is to hold the government to account as the Official Opposition.”
It’s the third time Shipley, who was sworn-in this week, will be on the opposition benches in the House of Commons, which officially re-opened on Monday.
When asked about his priorities, Shipley said he remains dedicated to providing high-quality “customer service” to his constituents, which he said is his favourite element of the job.
“I’m very, very proud of our record of customer service here, which we provide both locally and in Ottawa,” he said. “Anybody who needs assistance, we make sure they get it. Whether they’re walking into a passport issue or a CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) issue, we’re here to help the people.”
However, Shipley will also be turning his attention to another file, as he was recently named the Conservatives’ associate shadow minister for combatting crime by Pierre Poilievre, the party’s leader.
It’s a more focused role for Shipley, who also previously served as associate shadow minister of public safety, though both positions were included in the Conservatives’ shadow cabinet, which opposition parties organize to help hold government ministers accountable.
Having grown up in a policing family, Shipley said reducing crime is an issue that is “near and dear” to his heart.
“Going door to door…, we saw that people have a lot of concerns with crime,” he said. “I was hearing in Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte that people are having to lock their cars now, lock their front doors, and there were some people who had their cars stolen.”
“This will be a crucial role and a busy role, but I’m looking forward to… getting my hands on the file and seeing if we can help get some corrective action here going towards the right direction.”
The Conservatives swept Barrie on election night, as Tory MP John Brassard was also re-elected in Barrie South—Innisfil.
