Glengarry—Prescott—Russell

First-term Progressive Conservative MPP Stéphane Sarrazin sought re-election in this predominantly rural and bilingual riding in eastern Ontario, which stretches from the Quebec border along the Ottawa River to the outskirts of Ottawa. Sarrazin had won the seat in 2022 by defeating Liberal incumbent Amanda Simard, whose high-profile departure from the PC caucus over French-language services cuts in 2018 had defined the previous electoral cycle. During his first term, Sarrazin served as parliamentary assistant to the ministers of Francophone Affairs and Small Business, and pointed to nearly $100 million in infrastructure investments secured for the riding. The Liberals returned with a new candidate who shared the previous incumbent’s focus on Franco-Ontarian community advocacy.

Candidates

Stéphane Sarrazin (Progressive Conservative) — Sarrazin served as mayor of the Township of Alfred and Plantagenet and as the 2021 Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell before entering provincial politics. He also served as president of Hydro 2000 Inc., the municipal utility overseeing electricity distribution in the villages of Alfred and Plantagenet.

Trevor Stewart (Liberal) — Stewart was born and raised in Hammond, Ontario, and holds a degree in conflict studies and human rights from the University of Ottawa. He served as a Clarence-Rockland city councillor representing Hammond and Cheney, and worked on Parliament Hill for the riding’s federal MP, Francis Drouin. A Francophone rights activist, he continued the Liberal tradition of championing French-language services in the riding.

Ryder Finlay (NDP) — Finlay is a community organizer and Carleton University student who works in information technology. He focused his campaign on affordability issues.

Thaila Riden (Green Party), Felix Labrosse (New Blue Party), Brandon Wallingford (Ontario Party), and Jason St-Louis (Independent) also ran.

Local Issues

French-language services continued to be a defining issue in one of Ontario’s most bilingual ridings. While the Ford government’s 2018 cuts to the French-language services commissioner had been partially addressed — including the opening of the Université de l’Ontario français in Toronto in 2021 — Francophone residents continued to press for broader access to provincial government services in French. The issue’s resonance was reflected in the Liberals’ decision to run another candidate with strong Francophone advocacy credentials.

Rural infrastructure remained a persistent concern for residents. Although the provincial government invested in broadband expansion during the term, parts of the riding still lacked reliable high-speed internet and cellular coverage. Access to natural gas for homes and businesses in more remote areas was another infrastructure gap that residents and candidates highlighted.

The proposed Colacem cement plant near L’Orignal continued to generate environmental opposition. First announced in 2011, the project would produce over a million tonnes of cement annually and generate significant carbon dioxide emissions. Local opposition group Action Champlain continued to fight the proposal despite a provincial tribunal ruling in its favour, and the issue remained a flashpoint in the 2025 campaign. Healthcare access in the riding’s rural communities, where residents face long distances to hospitals and specialist care, was also a top voter priority.