Staff
Former Kenora MP Greg Rickford is making the jump to provincial politics.
Rickford was acclaimed as the Progressive Conservative candidate for Kenora-Rainy River in the upcoming provincial election scheduled for this coming June at the local riding association’s meeting Saturday in Dryden.
District resident Douglas Judson had been seeking the nomination but said in a statement Saturday that he withdrew his candidacy last week to support Rickford’s bid.
“I was absolutely delighted to do so because Greg will be an exceptional candidate and representative,” he noted.
“Greg is a true progressive conservative who understands the unique challenges and issues facing our region and the people of our riding,” Judson added.
“His career has been dedicated to public service and getting results for Northwestern Ontario.
“Greg was a distinguished member of the federal cabinet [in the Stephen Harper government] and I have no doubt that he will be an effective champion for our region at Queen’s Park,” Judson lauded.
“Our communities simply can’t afford another term with the do-nothing NDP and a no-show MPP,” he stressed.
Judson said he entered the race to show that young people had a role in the future of our communities in Kenora-Rainy River, and to help build the modern, inclusive Ontario PC Party of leader Patrick Brown.
“I am proud of the outreach and engagement my campaign has achieved since last May, and the new interest in the Ontario PCs that it helped to generate,” he remarked.
“I am looking forward to working with Greg to advance our region’s priorities and to give our communities a real voice in Ontario’s next government.”
Judson said he is so grateful for the level of support his campaign received from friends, colleagues, and party members from across the region and the province.
“And especially the guidance and keen insight of my brilliant and patient partner, Peter Howie,” he noted.
“I have been touched by the generosity, openness, and encouragement of those who placed their confidence in my candidacy,” Judson’s statement concluded.
“I encourage each of them to join me in supporting Greg’s campaign to get Kenora-Rainy River back on track in June, 2018.”
Brown said in a statement that Rickford brings exceptional experience to the PC team.
He served as the federal MP for Kenora for seven years, in addition to holding responsibilities such as minister of natural resources and minister of state for FedNor.
“Greg has spent years being a passionate voice for the north, and I know he would continue his hard work at Queen’s Park,” Brown said.
“I congratulate Greg on his nomination as the Ontario PC candidate in Kenora-Rainy River.”
Rickford is a practising lawyer and advisor specializing in natural resources, indigenous, and health matters, and has lived and worked in indigenous communities across Northwestern Ontario.
Serving on the board of directors of Noront Resources, Brown said Rickford understands the importance of moving forward with the “Ring of Fire,” a once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunity for the north.
“After 14 years in power, life is harder under the Wynne Liberals,” Brown noted. “Northern Ontario families are working harder, paying more, and getting less.
“The Wynne Liberals have treated Northern Ontario as a ‘no man’s land,'” he charged. “It’s time for a change.
“Only the Ontario PC Party will put Northern Ontario first, and make sure hard-working families pay less and get ahead,” Brown pledged.
There is no word yet on when the Kenora-Rainy River Provincial Liberal Association will hold its nomination meeting.
Former Emo resident Anthony Leek, who represented the party in this riding in the last two provincial elections, announced in August he would not seek the candidacy this time around.
Leek now lives in Kenora.
