Local members of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party will soon decide who will represent Glengarry-Prescott-Russell in the next provincial election.
On December 3, party members will vote at two nomination meetings, one in Embrun and the other in Vankleek Hill. Voting is only open to those who were party members by November 18.
Derek Duval, a project manager at Montebello Packaging in Hawkesbury, is one of those seeking the nomination. The Vankleek Hill resident told The Review in June that affordable living and encouraging small businesses would be among his priorities. In a letter announcing the nomination meeting, Duval said people are “tired of” the current Liberal government. “I have worked in the farm fields, on the construction sites and in the manufacturing facilities across this riding. I have helped to build parks, to run a drug awareness and prevention program, and to raise money for countless charities. I have run my own small business. Our household, like yours, is dealing with mounting hydro costs, and it is not easy,” said the letter.
Also hoping to be nominated is Amanda Simard, a councillor for Russell Township. The Embrun native has a law degree from the University of Ottawa and works as an executive assistant to a senator. In her candidacy announcement, Simard also said she is concerned about hydro rates, as well as debt and cuts to healthcare. “I hope to instill faith in the political process by running a positive and powerful campaign, engaging with residents, and ensuring that our voice is heard clearly and our concerns addressed at Queen’s Park,” she said.
The Embrun meeting will be held at the Embrun Community Centre (8 Blais Street in Embrun) on December 3 between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The Vankleek Hill event will be held later that same day at the Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds (92 Main Street West) beginning at 2 p.m. To vote, you must register by 3:30 p.m.
