QUEEN’S PARK—With ill political winds blowing up from the south and 16 months remaining in his majority mandate, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has decided to call a snap winter election arguing that he needs a strong mandate in order to deal with the challenges being presented by US President Donald Trump’s tariff threat to the Ontario economy.
Premier Ford’s party is riding high in the polls and his political opponents are both relatively new in leading their respective parties.
Electors will go to the polls on Thursday, February 27.
The four main parties have lined up their candidates. With less than four weeks election day, incumbents are likely to hold a distinct advantage. Algoma-Manitoulin is currently held by former NDP member Michael Mantha, who now sits as an independent.
Mr. Mantha was first elected in 2011, defeating long-time Liberal member, the late Mike Brown. Before being elected, he was a staff member for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes. He was removed from the NDP ranks following a third-party investigation into alleged harassment.
New Democrats in Algoma-Manitoulin have nominated David Timeriski to be their candidate for the provincial election. David Timeriski is a long time Algoma-Manitoulin resident who has served his community as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic.
The Green Party has chosen Maria Legault, a two-time graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment, who has spent her career combining research-driven decision-making with hands-on leadership. When she’s not advocating for a better future, she enjoys cycling, exploring Ontario’s parks, and supporting local businesses.
The Liberal banner will be carried by Reg Niganobe, a former grand council chief of the Anishinabek Nation and chief of the Mississauga First Nation. His education includes a Public Policy and Governance Diploma from Toronto Metropolitan University.
The Progressive Conservative’s Bill Rosenberg is the mayor of Thessalon. A public service professional with a passion for leading and advocating for community interests. Mr. Rosenberg has served a number of terms as mayor and was acclaimed to his position during the 2022 municipal elections.
An all candidates’ night has been arranged for Wednesday, February 12 at the Mindemoya Freshwater Church.
