COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Meet Progressive Conservative candidate David Piccini

From protecting jobs in Northumberland-Peterborough South amid United States tariff threats, to tackling affordability and healthcare – including a new Campbellford hospital – these are just a few of the priorities for incumbent Conservative candidate David Piccini when asked to zero in on top issues in the riding.

With the 2025 provincial election fast approaching, MBC is catching up with area candidates. We’ve asked your candidates to tell us who they are, what inspired them to put their names forward and to weigh in on the most pressing priorities locally, as well as the early election. All candidates were asked the same questions.

This feature is dedicated to Piccini, who’s held the MPP seat in Northumberland-Peterborough South since first elected for the Progressive Conservatives in 2018 with more than 27,000 votes. Piccini, who hails from and continues to call Port Hope home with his wife and their two dogs, secured a second term in June 2022 with more than 26,000 votes.

According to his official bio, Piccini started his career with the federal public service, first as an international market analyst at Agriculture Canada, then as a policy advisor at Service Canada. Following this, he joined the Office of the Minister of International Trade, where he worked on trade files, including the Canada-Europe Free Trade Agreement. Prior to the 2018 election, Piccini also worked with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

He most recently served as minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development, and prior to this as minister of the environment, conservation and parks.

“I’m proud to be from a rural agricultural community,” said Piccini. “I’ve been proud of the work I’ve done with our community to improve things and deliver on real results for our area.”

MBC asked Piccini what inspired him to put his name in the ring for a third time – here’s what we heard.

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While on the campaign trail and talking to people in the community, Piccini said the No. 1 issue more broadly heard are concerns around U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

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And this isn’t the only manufacturer Piccini noted he’s been speaking with. While citing conversations with another local company as an example, Piccini said more than half their work goes to the U.S.

Piccini also claims that the previous Liberal government left rural Ontario behind – and says this continues to drive him.

“All we saw was the rearview – red lights from cars going south of the border when manufacturing jobs fled Ontario – 300,000 manufacturing jobs – so I wanted to deliver more for rural Ontario, and that’s what we’ve been working on,” said Piccini.

When asked about the top three issues in the riding, Piccini again delved into tariff concerns, saying protecting the local economy is critical, while also highlighting how some of the area’s largest employers are manufacturers.

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Residents are already struggling with a “punishing” Liberal carbon tax, soaring food prices, and inflation, “we can’t afford to see that again with these tariffs and that’s why I think the reception has been very strong with respect to the premier’s message to protect this province (and) the work he’s done to stand up on a national scale to really lead this country and our response,” said Piccini.

In addition to protecting workers and tackling affordability, Piccini keyed in on education – the need for new/improved, modern learning environments for youth – as well as improvements under healthcare as top issues locally.

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Meanwhile, when asked about first priorities if re-elected, Piccini talked about Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

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When asked to weigh in on Premier Doug Ford’s early election call, Piccini likened the tariff threat to the COVID-19 pandemic

“I think the biggest threat we are facing today is the tariff threat – this is akin to the pandemic. We saw the premier stand tall, (lead) us through that – he’ll do it again. And for me, (this) warrants a strong mandate and only the people can give us a mandate …”

Piccini anticipates “big measures” will be needed to support workers, the manufacturing sector, the automotive sector, and more – and argues a strong mandate is needed to outlast Trump’s tenure.

“We need stability now more than ever – we need leadership and that’s what Premier Doug Ford offers.”

At press deadline, also running in the 2025 provincial election and confirmed via Elections Ontario are: NDP candidate Bruce LePage; Liberal candidate Dorothy Noronha; Green candidate Maxwell Groves, and New Blue Party candidate Joshua Chalhoub. Stay tuned for additional profiles.

Election Day is Feb. 27.

(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)