“Ontario’s upcoming provincial election will be a consequential one for the province and for Canada’s fight against climate change. Matt Richter is a strong environmental advocate and has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to protecting the people in his community by standing up for the water and forests that make Parry Sound–Muskoka so special. I urge voters in Parry Sound–Muskoka to protect the places they love by voting for him in this election.”
David Suzuki
“We need Matt Richter at Queen’s Park to hold feet to the fire. I am fed up with politicians promising expensive quick fixes to environmental problems we would not have if they made smarter decisions.”
Dr. Peter Sale
“The long-term prosperity of our economy and business sectors depends on changes to the way we use our watersheds. The Ford government is ignoring local efforts to make these changes but Matt Richter will make a difference in Parry Sound-Muskoka as well as adding to the common sense voices of Aislinn Clancy and Mike Schreiner in Queen’s Park.”
Kevin Trimble
“Matt has proven himself to be tenacious, hard-working and sincerely dedicated to the well-being of the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka AND climate action. I do not see that in any of the other candidates. I also like that he is able to vote independently of his party. It would be fantastic if PSM were the third Green electoral district in Ontario. MPPs in parties outside of power affect government policy in important ways.”
Tamsen Tillson
“I recognize that the Green Party is a long way from forming a government in Ontario but I am still voting for Matt Richter. Now, more than ever, we need political representation that is non-partisan, who will recognize and support good government where it is present and press for it where it is not. The Green Party governs for all of us and are not beholden to developers and big business. They develop and support sound policies for housing, urban planning, agriculture, health care and environmental management, all of which are needed so badly right now as the Ford government proceeds with “business as usual”.
Doug Ford’s policies are a step back in time to the 50s – building highways on prime farm land; cancelling effective clean energy programs and ripping out green infrastructure. We are at a moment when we can transition to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future but the Ford government is heading backwards in time at full speed. They have no credible plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but, instead, focus on “resilience” living with the harm they have wrought instead of working to reduce the causes. We need better ideas – Mike Schreiner has demonstrated the necessary foresight and Matt Richter will add to that.”
Dr. Neil Hutchinson
“Through the previous five elections Matt Richter has risen steadily in the estimation and voting of constituents in Parry Sound Muskoka (PSM). That’s perseverance. That’s courage. That’s enduring commitment to the people of PSM. He cares about our little part of the world—its natural beauty, its economic flourishing, the health of its citizens, the fact that some of its people are struggling on many fronts. His integrity and commitment have led the Green Party of Ontario to make him a deputy leader. Now it’s time to make Matt our PSM member of the Ontario legislature.”
(the Rev. Dr.) Peter Wyatt
“I am endorsing Matt Richter for MPP because as a physician, I know that the health of individuals and communities in directly linked to the health of our planet. Matt has shown up time and time again to advocate for the health of our community, from supporting our mission as physicians of South Muskoka keeping hospital beds in our community to protecting our waterways and green spaces. I fully believe Matt is the right candidate to represent Parry-Sound Muskoka at a provincial level.”
Dr. Shannon Lees
“I’ve learned that the Greens are the only party who do not make their members vote the party line – this is a big deal. I want my MPP to vote in a way that reflects the needs of his constituents including me, not be a yes-man for his leader. I have seen Matt Richter consistently bring common sense and straight talk to his life and to his candidacy. The GPO walks that same talk. We can’t pretend politics is easy, neither can solutions to big problems be solved with rhetoric or grandiose promises – GPO platform brings honesty and realism to go with actual concrete plans. I am optimistic that increasing the number of Green MPPs will have a positive impact.”
Pam Garratt Dunlop
“Matt has a long and strong track record as a community leader and climate champion. He is a well-known and respected Green candidate who in the 2022 election received more than 40% of the vote. The Green Party of Ontario has consistently demonstrated that they are a strong opposition, supporting everyday Ontarians over cronyism and big business; tabling bills for affordable housing, Greenbelt protection, tenants’ rights, affordable electric vehicles, and for municipalities to charge gas companies for use of municipal property.”
Climate Action Muskoka
“The platform of the Green Party is in sync with the issues that are important to me. Matt has a 5 point plan to address my top three concerns: the healthcare crisis in Muskoka, the poor state of our schools as well as protecting our beautiful lakes for future generations. Matt can truly be an independent voice for our community, something we so desperately need right now!”
Kim Dickinson
“As a new father, I’m concerned about my kids’ future, and their access to affordable housing, quality healthcare and education. That’s why I’m voting for Matt Richter – he represents a new, more hopeful vision for our riding, and more importantly, a better future for my son. Unlike Graydon Smith, he has a plan to diversify our housing supply and make our tax dollars work for us, instead of the private sector. I’ve been a lifelong NDP voter, and this year, I’m incredibly proud to say that I’m voting Green!”
Richard Philip
“Matt has integrity and cares about issues that matter to people like us; accessible public healthcare, quality schools and education, lower rise affordable homes, increased funding for public long term care homes and the climate. Let’s make Matt our strong voice at Queens Park.”
Dr. and Mrs. Ian and Lesley Hastie
“We need Green MPPs sitting in the Ontario legislature to help craft and pass environmentally and socially responsible non-partisan bills, and also to provide strong opposition to irresponsible or cynical bills. You don’t have to be part of the majority party power to do that, but you have to be empowered to work across the table, and Matt Richter, as a Green party member, is empowered to do so.”
Ken Christenson
“Like thousands of other hard-working, tax paying Ontario residents I’m fed up with the Tories backroom, sweetheart deals for Ford’s developer and corporate cronies. No thoughts whatsoever are given to the consequences of their ‘deals’. It’s time to put an end to this sham of a government.”
Mark Grimstead
“I have known Matt for many years and believe he is a skilled and thoughtful voice for the riding and the broader province.”
Jim McHardy
“Matt is a great person in general and has great plans for the Parry Sound-Muskoka region!”
Lachlan Mangaroff
“I like Matt Richter, Mike Schriener and the Greens’ plan for the PEOPLE.”
Herb Thompson
“We need someone to advocate for healthcare and education, both which the Conservatives have neglected despite growth in Ontario. We need real programs to protect our climate, and protect citizens from the impacts of climate change. Matt Richter is the answer for PSM.”
June Aylsworth
“I vote and volunteer for Matt Richter because I believe collaboration across parties is critical to build good policy, and I want to be represented by an MPP who has the freedom to vote in the best interests of my riding rather than required to toe the party line.”
Bonnie Duits
“Over the past 6 years under Doug Ford’s Conservative government I have seen increased cuts to education that have impacted my school and my students. I am looking for leadership that prioritizes children. We need a voice at Queen’s Park that will fight for quality public education not privatization.”
Kim Small, Teacher
OSSTF endorse Matt Richter
Education unions endorse Matt Richter and his 5 Point Plan to fight for the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka
“Matt Richter has earned my vote through his many years of hard work and service to our region. He is a determined, dedicated and passionate person who puts people first. The Green platform aligns most closely with my values and concerns. It is based on fairness to all while promoting economic growth. Matt will be a strong voice for Parry Sound-Muskoka in Queen’s Park who will seek information and input from his constituents and listen to expert advice before he speaks or votes. I trust Matt Richter and endorse him without reservation.”
Mark Grimstead
“We need attention for our hospitals and schools, which has not been forthcoming from Graydon Smith or Doug Ford. Funding needs to be more forth-coming. Budgets should be more readily available to the community to peruse and to comment.”
Jim McCuaig
“Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives’ slogan for the election is ‘Protect Ontario’. I have yet to see anything along these lines: environmental destruction, species loss, erosion of education, underfunding of health care, lack of long term care facilities, the list goes on. We need someone who will advocate for the people. Matt Richter will do just that.”
Eryn Jagosky
“Matt Richter is not a sellout. Matt is the only candidate who is passionate about preserving the beauty of Muskoka, and protecting the and protect our natural environment!”
Cheryl Francis
“We need MPPs to focus on Provincial issues such as health care and education.”
Paul Stueck
“I voted for Matt Richter because he and the Green party advocate for the environment, social welfare (a living wage), and realistic housing policies that serve the needs of low and middle-income Ontarians.”
Henk Rietveld
“We need a strong opposition to the Doug Ford’s PCs. We need representation in Queen’s Park that is not beholden to the party line or corporate agenda; and one who will always advocate for evidence-based decision making and a good use of tax-payer dollars.”
Karla Houser
“Strategies to address climate change are crucial. Strategies to protect Ontarians from the impact of climate change are crucial!”
Kerry Roodvoets
“For me Matt represents sincerity, integrity and compassion for the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka. I trust Matt to put our needs on the agenda at QP.”
Dave Antle
“I’ve admired and followed David Suzuki all my life. Thank you David for endorsing Matt; he and the Green Party are the future for sustainable and frugal government in Ontario!”
Jennifer Mottola
“I’m voting for Matt Richter because I care about the environment, healthcare, and our future!”
Spencer Lehman
“We are supporters of Matt and the Green party because we know Matt will work for us. They stand for education, health care and the environment. We are also very very tired of Doug Ford and his lies.”
Georgian Bay Whole Foods
“I am supporting Matt because his vision reflects my hopes and desires for Muskoka. I believe priorities and policies should not just be driven by corporate profits. We need to bring a citizen and people-focused spirit into politics, to meet the needs of all people, not just corporate donors. I believe Matt will do that and keep the priorities of the everyday people in the forefront.”
Susan Lovell
“Matt Richter will be a voice to represent PSM at Queen’s Park; I’m looking forward to having someone who will advocate for rural Ontario – seeking solutions to our housing crisis, education, health care that is accessible to everyone, and the protection of our beautiful lakes and forests that we call home.”
Lenore Ball
“I endorse Matt Richter and the Green Party because I trust them. I also believe they share my hopes for Ontario; supporting education, libraries, health care, rural infrastructure, and protecting farmland and wetlands from unnecessary highways and urban sprawl.”
Julie Couillard Alexander
“We need strong opposition, who will advocate for healthcare, and ensuring primary care coverage for all Ontarians.”
Andrew Czernik
“I am voting for Matt Richter, in part, because he will be taking a seat from a Conservative.”
Lois Patricia Rutledge
“We need a change from the old guard!”
Fred Baugh
“It’s time for Muskoka to get behind a candidate and party that will stand up for the environment we all depend on, and that provides so much value to our area. We’ve had enough of the PCs funding urban sprawl and wasting tax payer money on unnecessary changes to alcohol sales contracts. Time for some serious leadership!”
Alyssa Cirtwill
“I am old and remember when there were green spaces everywhere. I would like to see better planning as it relates to housing and infrastructure, to protect and make best use of our remaining green spaces in Ontario.”
Barbara Martin
“Working in healthcare before, during and after the pandemic has been extremely difficult for nurses. We need leaders to stand up for better wages and working conditions for healthcare workers. The conservatives have made decisions about nursing and public healthcare that are deeply felt in hospitals, often leading to unsafe and highly stressful environments. As a nurse, I stand behind Matt Richter and the Green Party of Parry Sound-Muskoka to better the state of Ontario’s healthcare.”
Lina Thompson
“The PC government is too focussed on spending our tax dollars and increasing the provincial deficit on unnecessary major projects to enrich Doug Ford’s millionaire buddies. There is great support for Matt Richter in Parry Sound-Muskoka. Matt is an honest hard working professional who would represent our entire riding extremely well. He will fight for the needs of his constituents, work across party lines when it benefits us, and won’t be restrained by his party leader to toe the party line. Matt was very close to winning the 2022 election – with the dismal track record of the PC government’s support of Rural Ontario, I feel Matt should win the Parry Sound – Muskoka seat at Queens Park in 2025.”
Glen Wright
“I was raised in a distinctly Conservative home (Dad was a bagman for the Federal Minister of Finance) – so I toed the line and played the game. But I’ve observed the Tory’s and the Liberal’s policies with respect to climate change – environment ministries always got short changed. Enter the Green Party, and things have started to look up! When I moved to Muskoka, I met Matt Richter and have been impressed by him. Matt Richter deserves to be our MPP.”
Ann. Newroth
“Matt Richter relates well to the people in the Muskoka/Parry Sound area and works energetically to keep in touch with them. His focus on the future is extremely refreshing. Matt Richter is supportive of business interests, but seems mindful that they not be allowed to overpower the needs and rights of other citizens and community members.”