Liberal, Conservative nominations for Topsail byelection open

Both the provincial Liberal and Progressive Conservative parties opened nominations Monday for the upcoming byelection in the district of Topsail, near St. John's.

The district is vacant after Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed the current MHA, Elizabeth Marshall, to the Senate in January.

People interested in running for the Liberals in Topsail have until Feb. 19 to apply.

Sources say former Newfoundland and Labrador Canadian Cancer Society executive director, Peter Dawe, will soon announce that he will run for the Liberals.

The Progressive Conservative Party announced Monday nominations will open Feb. 15 and close at 12:00 p.m. Feb. 17.

Paul Davis, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary constable and deputy mayor in the Town of Conception Bay South, announced last week that he will seek the nomination for the provincial Progressive Conservative party.

A provincial New Democratic Party official said the party has had several expressions of interest, but the party hasn't made a decision about its next move.

A date has not been set for the byelection, but it's expected to take place before the end of April.