The race to interchange MPP Rick Byers in Bruce-Gray-Owen Sound is formally underway. The Bruce-Gray-Owen Sound Progressive Conservative Using Affiliation has referred to as a nomination assembly for January 18, 2025 on the Harry Lumley Bayshore Group Centre in Owen Sound to pick a brand new candidate to signify the PC Get together within the subsequent provincial election.
Byers, who was elected within the 2022 provincial election, supplied discover of his departure in September, permitting the driving affiliation sufficient time to carry a correct nomination course of. Using Affiliation Vice President of Communications Karen MacInnis tells CKNXNewsToday.ca that the method is anticipated to be hotly-contested.
“Rick gave us loads of time to carry a correct nomination assembly. We don’t know when the subsequent election can be referred to as, however this ensures we’re prepared and provides folks within the driving sufficient time to think about in the event that they’re involved in stepping ahead,” she mentioned.
The choice to carry the assembly greater than a 12 months earlier than the subsequent scheduled election, tentatively set for June 4, 2026, mirrors a method used up to now. MacInnis referenced the 2011 transition from former MPP Invoice Murdoch to Invoice Walker, which additionally allowed candidates ample time to introduce themselves and interact with residents.
“We would like the identical alternative this time, for candidates to journey the driving, discuss to folks, and perceive the problems that matter to them,” MacInnis mentioned, confirming that the driving affiliation has obtained tips from Premier Doug Ford’s workplace, and that they’ll have ultimate say about which candidate they add to the social gathering slate.
MacInnis additionally says the nomination course of will draw inspiration from the 2019 federal nomination assembly for MP Alex Ruff, albeit with a number of tweaks and a brand new location. The January occasion will embody speeches, meet-and-greet tables, and a day-long voting course of, culminating within the announcement of the winner.
The driving of Bruce-Gray-Owen Sound has constantly supported the PC Get together. Byers, who was elected in 2022 with almost 49 per cent of the vote, succeeded Walker, who himself served as MPP for 11 years.
Eligible voters should be residents of Bruce-Gray-Owen Sound and maintain a legitimate PC Get together membership by the deadline of January 4, 2025. Memberships could be bought or renewed at ontariopc.ca.
