Liberal letter sent to Sudburians being reviewed by NDP
Letter highlights work of Liberals, encourages people to vote for Glenn Thibeault
Premier Kathleen Wynne has yet to set a date for the upcoming byelection in the Sudbury riding, but in some ways, the campaign is already underway.
The premier took time to reach out to many Sudbury voters over the holidays by sending out a letter highlighting the work of the party.
It also encouraged people to vote for Liberal candidate Glenn Thibeault in the upcoming byelection.
Nickel Belt NDP MPP France Gelinas has been keeping a close eye on the Sudbury riding since the sudden resignation of former Sudbury NDP MPP Joe Cimino in November.
Gelinas said the premier’s partisan letter is allowed as long as it was paid for by the Ontario Liberal Party, and no resources from the premier’s office were used to create or send it.
“If it is partisan, it is your party that has to pay for it,” she said.
“I send a letter out to people in Nickel Belt every month, but I don’t talk about the NDP. I talk about Nickel Belt.”
The date for the byelection has not been set yet by the premier, but Gelinas said the letter is another sign Sudbury voters will go to the polls soon.
“[Kathleen Wynne] is the only one who knows when the writ will drop,” Gelinas said.
“So it’s a bit of an advantage for her and she is using it fully.”
The premier’s office confirms the letter was sent and paid for by the Liberal Party.
Zita Astravas, a spokesperson for Wynne, said the letter was sent to a number of households in the riding but not all.
She said it highlighted several recent investments in the Sudbury area, including the expansion of Maley Drive, money spent on health care, and projects funded through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
Under the Ontario Elections Act, Premier Wynne has to call a byelection before May in Sudbury.
The Progressive Conservatives have already chosen Paula Peroni for the ballot.
Last night, Andrew Olivier announced he will run as an independent candidate.
The Green Party will nominate a candidate tonight.
The NDP will pick a candidate on Sunday.