THUNDER BAY -- Legal Aid lawyer Joy Wakefield plans to seek the provincial NDP nomination in Thunder Bay-Superior North.
According to Wakefield, she's the third candidate to throw her hat into the ring.
"I am running against two wonderful community activists (Lise Vaugeois and Riley Yesno). I'm excited to see the passion, engagement and ideas this will generate in the community, particularly within the youth," Wakefield wrote Monday in a Facebook post.
"No matter who wins, I will be proud to support the work both of them are doing in the community."
Yesno, a writer and Eabametoong First Nation member who grew up in Thunder Bay, said Tuesday she was still considering whether to seek the nomination, if approved by the party.
Vaugeois confirmed she plans to seek the nomination, assuming she is approved as well.
Vaugeois ran in the 2018 provincial election, finishing second to Liberal Michael Gravelle, who has held the seat since 1995. Gravelle last year confirmed he plans to run in the next election, scheduled for June 2022.
Thunder Bay city councillor Peng You has been nominated to run for the Progressive Conservatives.
The Thunder Bay-Superior North NDP riding association has already submitted its candidate search report to the party for review, said riding association president Charles Faust.
However, potential candidates have until 30 days before the nomination meeting to apply. A date for that meeting has not yet been set.
The report contains “several names we’re very excited about,” Faust said, though he wouldn't comment on candidate details until confirmed by the party.
If that means some serious competition for the nomination, Faust sees that as a decided positive.
“I’ve always believed a contested nomination is good for everybody," he said. "It builds excitement, and yes, it brings in new members.”
The riding association began the candidate search process in the fall, he said, after rumours began swirling of a potential early election call, which the Ford government denied.
“At that time there were rumours, which we had to take seriously," Faust said. "We need to give enough time for a thorough process."
Faust believes the official opposition NDP is increasingly resonating with Ontarians, while frustration with the Ford government grows.
“Andrea Horwath has been inspiring people with her plans – the seniors’ care platform, long-term care, paid sick days – these are things that need to be addressed," he said. "I think the NDP is positioned to take action and really challenge Ford and present an alternative.”
