Sudbury NDP faithful vow to preserve party's stronghold in north

The sudden exit of two NDP representatives in Sudbury is raising questions about the party's future in the Nickel City.

Within the span of a month, NDP MPP Joe Cimino resigned and NDP MP Glenn Thibeault announced he's moving to the provincial Liberals.

New Democrats are working to re-establish their stronghold in Sudbury.

So far, several candidates are seeking nomination in the upcoming provincial by-election — including Dave Battaino, who has run for the party before.

"What we need here is a strong voice,” he said.

“Somebody who will actually work hard and hold the Liberals accountable."

The NDP also needs a voice to replace MP Glenn Thibeault in the federal race.

No candidates have confirmed yet, but former New Democrat MPP Elie Martel has an idea about who that person should be.

"You want somebody that's reliable and not for sale."

Former Nickel Belt MP John Rodriguez said he isn't worried about the challenges that lie ahead, adding the party's future looks bright.

"We earned the reputation of working on behalf of the people."

Laurentian University political science professor Nadia Verrilli says the party should focus on reaffirming those facts.

"Remind citizens of Sudbury why they voted the NDP, what the NDP stands for."

The NDP chooses a candidate for Sudbury's provincial by-election next month, on Jan. 18.

Morning North6:13Looking back at MPP David Ramsay's defection to the Liberals

Glenn Thibeault is making headlines with his decision to leave the federal NDP to run as a provincial Liberal in an upcoming by-election. Back in 1986, it was Temiskaming MPP David Ramsay in the news for switching parties. We have some archival tape.

‘I’m committed’

In the meantime, Sudbury's Progressive Conservative candidate says she's basing her platform on integrity — a quality Paula Peroni said the Liberals lack.

Peroni is running against Glenn Thibeault, who defected from the federal NDP to work for the provincial Liberals.

She called the move disgusting.

Voters don't have need to worry about her loyalty, she said.

“I knew the job when I got into it. I didn't get halfway through it and say 'Oh this is too hard, I don't want to do this,'” she said.

“I'm committed. And I think people in Sudbury will now realize just how committed I am.”

Peroni noted that becoming MPP has been a goal of hers for many years and she's not giving up, despite her defeat in last June’s election.