Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government has announced that a byelection will be held on September 19 to fill the vacant seat left by former MPP Todd Smith.
Smith, who represented the riding of Bay of Quinte, resigned from his position in July after being appointed as Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines.
The byelection will take place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the government has assured that all necessary health and safety protocols will be in place to ensure a safe voting process.
Premier Doug Ford expressed his confidence in the government’s ability to hold a successful byelection, stating, “We have a strong plan in place to ensure the safety of all voters and election workers. We are committed to upholding our democratic process while also prioritizing the health and well-being of Ontarians.”
The opposition parties have raised concerns about the timing of the byelection, citing the ongoing pandemic and the potential for low voter turnout. However, the government maintains that it is necessary to fill the vacant seat in a timely manner.
The byelection will be closely watched as it could potentially shift the balance of power in the legislature. The Progressive Conservatives currently hold a majority with 72 seats, while the opposition parties hold a combined total of 58 seats.
The nomination period for candidates will begin on August 26 and end on September 2. The candidates will have a short campaign period of just over two weeks before the byelection takes place on September 19.
The government has urged all eligible voters in the Bay of Quinte riding to exercise their right to vote and have their voices heard in this important byelection.
