Teen MPP Sam Oosterhoff faces nomination battle in Niagara riding

The youngest-ever member of Ontario's legislature is to find out tonight if he will represent the Progressive Conservatives in next year's provincial election.

Sam Oosterhoff, a 19-year-old student of Brock University, was elected Nov. 17 in a byelection in Niagara West-Glanbrook, previously held by former party leader Tim Hudak.

He secured that nomination by defeating party president Rick Dykstra and regional councillor Tony Quirk — who is again challenging Oosterhoff for this nomination, despite having helped run the teen's byelection campaign.

PC party members in the new Niagara West riding — one of several being redistributed for 2018 — will choose their candidate for the general election when they vote between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown has said he is supporting Oosterhoff, as he is backing all of his caucus members in any contested nomination battles.

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• Oosterhoff should apologize over Bill 28 stance, says Hamilton councillor
• Analysis: What Sam Oosterhoff's nomination means for Patrick Brown's PCs

Oosterhoff landed at the legislature making waves not only for being the youngest MPP elected in Ontario, but also for espousing social conservative views at a time when Brown was battling factions of party supporters and other members of his caucus in an effort to brand the Tories as inclusive and socially progressive.

Oosterhoff, who earned his earlier nomination in part with support from his large family and church community, has said he is pro-life.

He also tweeted that Bill 28 — which streamlines the process for LGBT parents who have children, as well as surrogate and adoptive parents — was disrespectful to families. His opposition included that the bill lacks the gender-specific terms "mother" and "father."

With files from Canadian Press