The process of choosing federal election candidates for Simcoe North is in full swing.
With the election scheduled for Oct. 21, Simcoe North’s Green, Liberal and NDP riding associations are searching for candidates who can turn this blue riding a different colour and unseat long-time Conservative MP Bruce Stanton.
“We are pleased to be able to say our chair (Bob Carson) has received an official letter from the Liberal Party of Canada, saying our riding is open for nominations,” said Liz Riley, who is heading up the candidate search.
A few people have shown interest in carrying the Liberal banner this fall, including Gerry Hawes, who made his intentions known on Twitter.
“I’m pleasantly surprised. There’s quite a bit of interest among the people I’ve talked to,” said Riley.
The riding has been a Tory stronghold since 2006, when Stanton was first elected. While opponents have found it tough to turn the tide over the years, they remain confident.
“As we all know, this riding has voted Conservative in recent years, but we always remember we had (Liberal MP) Paul DeVillers for 14 years,” Riley said. “We’re always optimistic about our chances. Who knows? Maybe the electorate is in the mood for change.”
The Simcoe North Greens think so.
Mathew Lund, a director with the local Green riding association, referenced an article in Maclean’s magazine that stated the environment will be the issue that decides the election.
“If you’re debating the environment as your primary issue, look no further than the Greens,” he said. “You’re starting to find a lot more people who are willing to commit to the Green party. More people are saying, ‘We’re running out of time on this.’”
Lund is leading the search for the next Green candidate.
“We have a couple of prospective candidates who we’re going through the vetting process with right now,” he said, adding he is still welcoming others who are interested in running to contact the riding association.
Those interested can contact Lund at [email protected], check out the Simcoe North Greens’ Facebook page or visit the Green Party of Canada’s website.
Lund hopes to have the next candidate confirmed at the association’s annual general meeting at the end of March.
The Simcoe North Liberals, too, are welcoming those interested in becoming a candidate to email [email protected] or visit liberal.ca/nominations to request a nomination package.
Don Brundage, president of the Simcoe North NDP federal riding association, issued the following statement:
"The Simcoe North NDP are in the middle of vetting candidates and feel it would be disruptive to that process to make any firm statement at this time. We expect to have an announcement within the near future. Our NDP members are excited about the coming election and look forward to presenting a dynamic NDP candidate for Simcoe North.”
