One of two public servants will be chosen this weekend to represent the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex in an upcoming byelection.
The Lambton-Kent-Middlesex PC Association will hold a nomination meeting in Strathroy on Saturday.
The need for a byelection was prompted in the fall of 2023 when former MPP and Labour Minister Monte McNaughton resigned to become executive vice president of Woodbine Entertainment.
"This is a very important byelection in the region and we have some big shoes to fill," said President of the Ontario PC Party Michael Diamond. "McNaughton served the riding for a very long time, very well, and we want to build on that momentum."
Long-time Chatham-Kent Councillor Steve Pinsonneault and Chief of the Middlesex London Paramedic Service Neal Roberts are vying for the position.
"Running for office is a major commitment and often takes years of planning so a byelection being unexpected does change those dynamics a bit," said Diamond. "We have two candidates who both serve the community, the constituents of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, in different public capacities; but we have two public servants, people who have dedicated their professional lives to serving the community."
The nomination meeting will be held at the Caradoc Sands Golf Club, beginning at 9 a.m. with speeches from the candidates. From there, active members will be able to cast their votes, and results are expected at approximately 1:30 p.m.
The riding has been blue since 2011.
A byelection date has yet to be announced. However, a vote must be called by the end of March, which would mark six months since McNaughton's departure.