Progressive Conservatives name candidate in upcoming Kitchener Centre byelection
Rob Elliott says he plans to be a voice to 'champion the growth of our local economy'
The Progressive Conservatives have named Rob Elliott as the candidate in the upcoming Kitchener Centre byelection.
Elliott has worked in the transportation sector and government, the party said in a media release Friday.
Elliott was quoted in the release as saying the riding needs someone that will "champion the growth of our local economy" including "bringing better jobs with bigger paycheques to Waterloo region."
The party confirmed on Monday that Elliott lives in Keswick, located north of Toronto on Lake Simcoe.
In a statement, Elliott said while he and his wife are raising their children outside Kitchener, he has a personal connection to the city.
"This is where I earned my bachelor's degree, at Wilfrid Laurier University. This is where I met my wife, and where we got engaged," he said in an emailed statement.
"This community is personal to me. As MPP I will be accessible and present at my local office and at community events. I want to make sure that Kitchener Centre has a seat in the government caucus, so we can get big things done."
The party also confirmed in 2017 Elliott stepped away from the party's executive "on a matter of principle" but remained a member of the Progressive Conservatives. The party said he "continues to be a strong supporter" of the Progressive Conservatives and Premier Doug Ford.
Four candidates in race so far
The Progressive Conservatives are the last of the four major parties to announce a candidate for the yet-to-be-called byelection.
The other candidates are:
- Debbie Chapman for the NDP.
- Aislinn Clancy for the Greens.
- Kelly Steiss for the Liberals.
The Kitchener Centre seat became vacant in July, when NDP MPP Laura Mae Lindo stepped down.
Lindo announced her decision in January, saying it was the right move for her family. She took on a job at the University of Waterloo.
Byelections must be called within six months after an MPP leaves their seat, but the exact timing is up to Premier Doug Ford. Lindo left her seat on July 13.
Under the Ontario Election Act, the byelection would be called on a Wednesday and then held the fifth Thursday after the writ is issued.