With 2026 around the corner, Chatham-Kent–Leamington Member of Parliament (MP) Dave Epp took a moment to look back on what he calls one of the most unpredictable years in recent Canadian politics.
“If we'd have done this interview a year ago, and I did several of them, I would be wrong,” said Epp.
One dominant issue that defined 2025 is the ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States.
Epp thinks the topic will remain a priority, considering the upcoming review of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
“That will be, I expect, at least the number one news maker to be gaining part of the year,” said Epp.
According to the MP, the return of Donald Trump as President of the U.S. has already changed the trade environment.
Epp noted his riding is not immune to the trade war strain, adding that the region sits in the heart of Canada’s agricultural production and is closely tied to Southwestern Ontario’s manufacturing and auto sectors.
“CUSMA will probably even affect us more,” Epp said. “We need to diversify wherever and whenever we can to give us a better negotiating position with our American friends.”
For Epp, the most pressing issue for Canadians is the cost of living.
Polling throughout the year consistently showed that affordability, especially food and housing, was at the top of voters’ concerns. The MP noted that food prices remain high, even in one of Canada’s major food-producing regions.
“Food inflation at 4.7 per cent year over year is double what core inflation is, and ironically for us that live in, you could argue one of the bread baskets of Canada, we're not immune from that,” he explained.
He pointed out that solutions to the ongoing food cost issue will take time, but expressed that there is an “awful lot more” that needs to be done by the government.
One of the year’s more controversial political developments was a series of MPs crossing the floor to join the Liberal Party.
Epp confirmed he was approached after the election, but said he has no intention of leaving the Conservative caucus.
As for what's to come, Epp is cautious about predictions.
“Now we start to make predictions, this is where it gets dangerous,” he said.
However, he hopes to see a more unified “Team Canada” approach as the country heads into critical trade negotiations.
After reflecting on the past 12 months, Epp is preparing for another year where, once again, anything could happen.
