Candidates in the upcoming byelection in east Hamilton and Stoney Creek are focusing on key issues such as affordability, healthcare, education, and environmental concerns like soot. The byelection was triggered by the retirement of former MPP Neil Lumsden from his seat in Hamilton East–Stoney Creek on Aug. 4.
Voters can participate in advanced voting starting Wednesday, with election day on Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The riding stretches from Kenilworth Avenue to just east of Fifty Road. Information on voting locations is available on the Elections Ontario website.
Six candidates are on the ballot, representing various parties including the Ontario PC Party, Ontario Party, New Blue Party, Ontario Liberal Party, Green Party of Ontario, and Ontario New Democratic Party.
The candidates were contacted to provide insights on community priorities and proposed solutions. Here are the summarized responses from the candidates:
– Jeff Beattie of the Ontario PC Party emphasized protecting local jobs, affordability, and infrastructure development.
– Heino Doessing from the Ontario Liberal Party highlighted concerns about rising costs, healthcare challenges, and environmental issues.
– Pascale Marchand of the Ontario Greens focused on clean air and water, affordable housing, and improved healthcare and education funding.
– Monique Taylor of the Ontario NDP addressed affordability, job creation, and healthcare improvements.
Candidates Heather Curnew and Wieslawa Derlatka did not provide responses to media inquiries.