Q&A: MP Karen Vecchio on watching an election she's not running in
The MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London plans to spend more time with family
Conservative MP Karen Vecchio announced last summer that she would not be running in the election campaign that's now in full swing.
First elected to the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London in 2015, Vecchio has been a champion for women's rights, safety in sports and combating human trafficking.
She joined London Morning to talk to host Andrew Brown about her time in office, and watching the campaign unfold from the sidelines.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Andrew Brown: What's it like to watch an election like the rest of us?
Karen Vecchio: It's strange. During an election, I'm trying to compare how I feel today to how I felt in 2021, and even back in 2004 when I worked on Joe Preston's campaign. When you're not boots on the ground, it feels very, very different. But the angst is still there somehow.
AB: Really? Why do you think that is?
KV: I think it's because since 1985, I've been passionate about watching campaigns and elections, so you really feel like your vote counts. I thought I'd be able to step back this time and just observe, but I didn't realize how tied down to the riding I really was. You care so much.
AB: Have you been involved in the campaign at all?
KV: No, I'm mostly watching. I'm doing a really wonderful podcast with friends like Rodger Cuzner. He's a senator, but we're working on a political podcast out of Toronto—that's about all.
AB: So why aren't you running in this election?
KV: For me, it's time to be home here in St. Thomas and help out with my family. I have aging parents, and yesterday reminded me exactly why I needed to be here in St. Thomas. I was elected in 2015—if there were a majority government in 2025, I'd be looking at 2029. And I want to be home. I have grandchildren, aging parents, and a husband I'd like to spend time with. That's what mattered most.
LISTEN | MP Karen Vecchio's full interview on London Morning
AB: Did your removal from the Status of Women Committee or the direction of the Conservative Party have anything to do with that decision?
KV: I was very passionate about the work we did on the Status of Women Committee. I still do a lot of peer-to-peer support, helping women who've gone through really difficult experiences. So yes, that change did make my decision a little easier. When something you care so deeply about is no longer part of your role, it's tough. I'll continue to work behind the scenes on key issues that impact women.
AB: When you announced you weren't running, the Conservatives had a big lead in the polls. But that's changed. What do you think happened?
KV: Everything changed on January 6th, when Prime Minister Trudeau announced he wasn't running again. That really shifted things. There was this polarizing feeling toward him—you were either for or against him. I think we saw it as a battle between Trudeau and the country. Once he stepped aside, people started imagining a fresh start. It changed a lot of perspectives.
AB: What do you think of the campaign the Conservatives and Mr. Poilievre have been running in response to this changing wave in Canada?
KV: There are two things. First, without Trudeau as the Liberal leader, the dynamics changed. But also, the impact of U.S. tariffs has been huge—especially in places like London and St. Thomas, where we export so much to the U.S. People are concerned about whether their jobs and businesses will remain. The cost of living is still a big issue, but now it's also about economic stability and trade. It's been hard to pivot under the shadow of what's happening in the U.S.
AB: Your riding has changed - Elgin-Middlesex-London is now Elgin-St. Thomas-London South. How do you see that shift?
KV: We lost Thames Centre, which is significant. That area was part of our identity. It's a conservative stronghold, and its absence could impact things. The new riding still includes Elgin, St. Thomas, and a slice of south London, but losing Middlesex means losing 15,000 people in small, agricultural communities. That makes a difference.
AB: A lot of us read in the London Free Press that you're not endorsing the Conservative candidate Andrew Lawton. Why not?
KV: I'm very clear that people need to make their own choices. Just like when people were voting for me, some vote for party, but for me it's also about voting for the person. I haven't always endorsed people—and this one just happened to make headlines.
AB: What's next for you?
KV: Honestly, I look at the snow, and I'm thinking I want to go camping with my husband. I'm going to take some time to reconsider what I want to do. I've been involved in federal politics since 2004, so I have 21 years' worth of stuff to sort through, so that might be the first month or so.