If you had told Alex Hilson six months ago that he would be running as the Ontario Liberal candidate in a February snap election, he probably wouldn’t have believed you. But throughout his life, Hilson has stepped up when his community needed him. Whether as a Halton Hills Town Councillor, music teacher, youth mentor, or volunteer, he has always believed in bringing people together to solve problems.
Hilson’s deep community involvement began early. Becoming involved in Scouts Canada as a young person, he developed a strong sense of responsibility and service. In 2012, he founded Inspire Halton, a non-profit supporting young people in the arts, and later worked as a Youth Instructor at the Town of Halton Hills’ Youth Centres. Alex continues to teach music in Acton, serves as Lieutenant Governor for Zone 6 of the Central Ontario Optimists Club District, and is a leader in his local church.
Before joining Council, Alex worked as the Coordinator for the Downtown Acton BIA during the pandemic, helping businesses navigate an extremely difficult period. That experience reinforced his belief in strong public services and the importance of supporting local communities through action, not just words.
Elected to Halton Hills Town Council in 2022, Hilson has been a strong advocate for environmental protection, investments in public services, and traffic safety. His work on the Halton Hills Public Library Board and the Ontario Library Board Association has reinforced his belief in libraries as more than just book-lending institutions—they are vital community hubs where residents can access essential resources, learning opportunities, and social supports. His experience on Council has also strengthened his belief that local issues need strong representation at Queen’s Park.
“When I talk to people in Wellington-Halton Hills, I hear the same concerns over and over again,” Hilson says. “I have seen many young people say they don’t think they will ever be able to afford a house. Seniors, young families, small business owners—so many people feel like they’re being left behind. We can’t afford to sit back and hope things get better on their own.”
When longtime MPP Ted Arnott announced his retirement and the possibility of a snap election arose, community members encouraged Hilson to run. He believes this election is an opportunity for real change after decades of the same representation.
“In the last provincial election, 52 percent of voters in Wellington-Halton Hills didn’t vote,” he says. “Meanwhile, key issues have only worsened—residents struggle to find family doctors, families are burdened by rising grocery prices, and seniors are being priced out of the communities they’ve lived in their whole lives. It doesn’t have to be this way.”
The Ontario Liberals have outlined their plans to address these concerns under leader Bonnie Crombie. They have committed to ensuring every Ontarian has access to a family doctor within four years. Their affordability measures include cutting middle-class taxes and eliminating the Ontario Land Transfer Tax for first-time homebuyers, seniors downsizing, and non-profit builders. They have also condemned the breaking up of the Greenbelt and are committed to strengthening Ontario’s agricultural sector, which employs one in ten residents. Their plan prioritizes protecting farmland, investing in sustainable farming practices, and ensuring that Ontario remains an agricultural powerhouse for generations to come.
Hilson’s collaborative and solutions-focused approach has earned him respect across the community. “At a time when politics can be so divisive, Alex is the kind of person who brings decency and civility to public debate,” reads an endorsement from Paul Ivany, former minister and Georgetown’s 2024 Citizen of the Year. “We need more elected representatives like Alex.”
With the election quickly approaching, Hilson’s campaign team encourages residents to reach out, share their concerns, and get involved.
More details about his platform can be found here, or voters can contact him directly here or (226) 828-1588. Alex also invites residents to attend one of his upcoming meet-and-greet events to discuss the issues that matter most. (Find dates and locations on his website).
Election Day is Thursday, February 27, with advance voting available on February 20, 21, and 22. Any Canadian citizen aged 18 or older who resides in Ontario can vote with a valid piece of identification that includes their name and address, such as a driver’s license. Research suggests that people are more likely to vote when they make a plan. Voters are encouraged to decide which day they will vote, what time, how they will get there, and who they might go with.
Hilson believes that politics should be about solutions, not division. He is ready to listen, to serve, and to fight for the change residents need in Wellington-Halton Hills.