With parliament dissolved, the writ for the June election is being issued today.
That means Ontarians will be heading to the polls June 7 to elect an new provincial government. It is also the first time local residents will be voting in a Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Timmins.
Since the last election, the Timmins-James Bay riding was split into two. Timmins is now on its own, with the second new riding of Mushkegowuk-James including communities along Highway 11 from Smooth Rock Falls to Hearst and north to Peawanuck.
Here’s who we know is running in Timmins so far:
Liberal Mickey Auger – A familiar face to many in the community, Auger is a retired police officer, the president of the South Porcupine Food Bank, and volunteer with the Timmins Native Friendship Centre’s board.
NDP Gilles Bisson – The incumbent was first elected in 1990. When announcing his candidacy earlier this year, he said choosing what riding to run in was a difficult decision, but one of the main factors for choosing Timmins is that it’s where he was born and raised, and still lives.
Northern Ontario Party Gary Schaap – The party’s vice president and the interim president of the Timmins riding association, wants to ensure a stronger voice for Northern Ontarians. According to the party, he has experience and knowledge of the forestry, farming, mining, trucking and natural resources industries.
Progressive Conservative Yvan Genier – A new face for local politics, Genier is a financial advisor for the Knights of Columbus. He has also worn a number of hats through the years, including funeral director, teacher, volunteer firefighter, and a Canadian Armed Forces military reservist at Algonquin Regiment as logistics officer.
