Kelly Steiss nominated as Liberal candidate for upcoming Kitchener Centre byelection
Steiss was Liberal candidate in the riding in the 2022 provincial general election
The Ontario Liberal Party has nominated Kelly Steiss as their candidate in the upcoming Kitchener Centre byelection.
The local riding association made the announcement on Monday after a nomination meeting. Only one person met all the requirements to run to be the local candidate.
Steiss was the Liberal candidate in the riding in the 2022 provincial election. She came third behind current MPP Laura Mae Lindo and Progressive Conservative candidate Jim Schmidt.
"Kelly has spent a lifetime of service to the residents of Kitchener Centre, and has the experience and drive needed to be a phenomenal MPP," said MPP John Fraser, interim leader of the party, in a release sent out Monday.
"Families in Kitchener Centre are looking for a leader who will work tirelessly to make their lives just a little bit easier," said Steiss in the release. "As your MPP, I will fight to tackle the healthcare and affordability crises head-on, and champion innovative solutions that will build a better future for Ontarians and those that call Kitchener home."
The Kitchener Centre seat will become vacant in July, when current NDP MPP Laura Mae Lindo will step down. Lindo announced her decision in January, saying it was the right move for her family. She'll be taking on a job at the University of Waterloo.
The NDP are set to hold a nomination meeting on Tuesday. There are two people seeking the nomination: current city Coun. Debbie Chapman and Brooklin Wallis, who ran for council in last fall's municipal election.
Kitchener Coun. Aislinn Clancy has been chosen as the Green Party of Ontario's candidate.
The Progressive Conservatives have not yet named a candidate.
With files from Kate Bueckert