While a provincial election is not scheduled until October of 2007 Mr. McNaughton says his early announcement will allow him to help build support for the local riding association and to travel across the riding in order to garner input from the party faithful. “The fact that rural Ontario is under withering attacks by senior levels of government is no secret,” said McNaughton – “but how we successfully counter those attacks appears to be a mystery to many of those representing rural constituencies.
 

If nominated and then elected McNaughton says he will fulfill a life-long dream to serve the people of his community.  “I love this region and I believe we can have economic prosperity, strong schools and full service hospitals in rural Ontario.  McNaughton adds he wants to bring integrity, fresh ideas and strong rural values to Queen’s Park. “There is a difference between those who pay lip service to rural values and those of us who can actually put forth a rural values agenda. I not only intend to press the case for rural Ontario, I intend to achieve tangible results.”

"Monte answers media questions and demands the current government stand up for farmers."

McNaughton has been organizing for several months and is backed by key area Conservatives in every part of the riding. “We have a strong base which includes important riding-wide support. I am committed to representing every area of the constituency equally,” said McNaughton.

The first challenge for McNaughton is to win the party nomination which he hopes will happen sooner rather than later. “I will be asking party officials to sanction a nomination meeting at the first opportunity. If we are going to win this riding back I believe we have to work for every single vote and that will take some time and I am prepared to commit all the time and energy necessary to do just that!” 

As councilor in Newbury, he has been a passionate advocate for community economic development.  He is a community leader and is involved in the Strathroy and District Chamber of Commerce, actively raises funds for the Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario, and belongs to numerous other community organizations.