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Mickey Auger acclaimed as Liberal candidate

Healthcare, seniors, youth some of his priorities for campaign

The Timmins Liberals have chosen their candidate for the upcoming provincial election.

At the riding association’s nomination meeting at Narduzzi’s Restaurant, Mickey Auger was acclaimed as the candidate for the June 7 election. Ontario Natural Resources and Forestry Minister Nathalie Des Rosiers was also in town for the occasion.

Auger is well-known in the community.

He’s a retired Timmins Police officer, the president of the South Porcupine Food Bank, a volunteer with the Timmins Native Friendship Centre’s board, and has helped out Santa Claus at Christmas for nearly four decades.

“I think I’ve done a lot in the 43 years that I’ve been here. I’ve done all kinds of things for the community. Community to me is a priority, it’s not about Mickey Auger…my priority is helping the people out there, make them happy and do well. If you can help somebody and make them smile, you’ve done your job. No matter what you’re doing,” he said.

Healthcare, seniors, wanting young people to stay in the north, and daycare are just some of his priorities for the campaign.

“The reason I put my name in to run for the Liberals is because we haven’t had anything in 28 years. I’ve seen the other communities in the north — Sudbury, Sault get things; we’re not getting anything,” he said.

Auger is the third candidate to be announced for the June election.

Incumbent NDP Gilles Bisson announced he is seeking re-election earlier this year.

The PCs acclaimed Yvan Genier as their candidate last week.

When voters head to the polls, it will be the first time an MPP is elected for the new Timmins riding.

Since the last election, the boundaries for the current riding of Timmins-James Bay were redefined and split into two.

With Timmins on its own, the second new riding of Mushkegowuk-James Bay includes communities along Highway 11 from Smooth Rock Falls to Hearst and extends north to Peawanuck.