Two Barrie-area Progressive Conservative MPPs are highlighting the enthusiasm of local party members, many of them first-time attendees, who joined them at the Ontario PC convention held Jan. 29 to Feb. 1.

Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte and Ontario's attorney general since 2019, and Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie–Innisfil and the province's minister of red tape reduction, attended the convention along with members of their riding and electoral district associations, Compass News reported.

Downey said many delegates from his riding were attending a political convention for the first time.

"They were really excited, especially that there was training, panels and a variety of different speakers," he said.

Byran Jones, a member of the Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte riding association, said he felt welcomed at his first convention.

"Honestly, it was extremely welcoming — what I loved about the convention was how inclusive it was," he said. "Everyone talked about the same common goal — how to make our communities and our province better."

New volunteer role for Innisfil-area party member

Kristen Rohland, another member of Downey's riding association, was also attending her first convention. There, she was appointed regional director for Ontario north with the Ontario PC Women in Politics organization.

Rohland, who also works in Downey's constituency office, said she was inspired by a speech from MPP Caroline Mulroney at the Ontario PC Women in Politics annual general meeting.

"I was very inspired by Caroline Mulroney's speech, and the journey that got her from where she began in her political career at a young age to where she is now — it was amazing," she said.

She said she felt honoured to take on the new volunteer role.

"I think the biggest motivator for me was being the only female on the riding's executive team and realizing that there are so many conservative women out there, especially in the northern region," she said.

Barrie–Innisfil members energized

Khanjin said members of her Barrie–Innisfil riding association also found the weekend meaningful, particularly those new to conventions.

"They were really excited about the atmosphere, the energy and meeting other like-minded Progressive Conservatives from across the province," she said. "It really amplifies their involvement in how meaningful it is and just to be able to share stories from the campaigns, being involved in their communities and to really make a difference."

Kat Chabot, who works in Khanjin's constituency office and does volunteer work, said the gathering left a strong impression.

"It was exciting and refreshing to attend and it makes you want to get more involved — Ontario is such a great province, and we all want it to continue to be prosperous," she said.

The 2026 convention brought together party members, elected officials and volunteers from across Ontario for several days of training sessions, policy discussions, annual general meetings and speeches from senior party leaders.

Ontario PC Leader and Premier Doug Ford announced on the convention's second day that he intends to lead the party into the next provincial election.