Growing Ontario: A Leadership Debate on Agriculture and Rural Communities

Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Ontario Liberal Riding Association to Host the First Rural-Focused Leadership Debate

Leeds & Grenville – The Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Ontario Liberal Riding Association is proud to announce that it will host the first official Ontario Liberal Leadership Debate dedicated exclusively to agriculture and rural communities.

As Ontario’s farmers, rural municipalities and small communities face unprecedented challenges and opportunities, this debate will place the issues that matter most to rural Ontario at the centre of the leadership campaign.

Leeds and Grenville, Ontario — Sunday, August 16, 2026

North Grenville Municipal Centre 285 44, North Grenville, Ontario K0G1J0

Leadership candidates will discuss topics including:

· Agriculture and food security

· Rural health care

· Housing and rural growth

· Infrastructure and transportation

· Broadband and digital connectivity

· Economic development

· Education and workforce development

· Environmental stewardship

· The future of rural Ontario

Unlike traditional political debates, candidates will receive the general themes in advance, but will not receive the specific questions.

This format has been chosen deliberately to encourage thoughtful discussion and genuine dialogue rather than rehearsed talking points.

Rural Ontarians deserve authentic answers from those seeking to become Ontario’s next Premier.

“This debate reflects the importance of rural Ontario to the future of our province,” said Ray Heffernan, President of the Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Ontario Liberal Riding Association.

“Farm families, small businesses, rural municipalities and the many volunteers who strengthen our communities deserve the opportunity to hear directly from each leadership candidate on the issues affecting their daily lives. We want a discussion grounded in experience, practical ideas and a genuine understanding of rural Ontario.”

Agriculture contributes billions of dollars annually to Ontario’s economy and supports thousands of jobs across the province. Rural communities also play an essential role in food production, environmental stewardship, manufacturing, tourism and small business development.

The Riding Association believes the leadership race provides an important opportunity to place these issues at the forefront of provincial discussion.