THUNDER BAY – The race is on. Nipigon Mayor Richard Harvey has been joined by Richard Longtin in seeking the Conservative nod for the Thunder Bay Superior North riding.
Longtin has advised the Thunder Bay Superior North Conservative Riding Association along with various media outlets that he is putting his name and candidacy forward to replace Mike Auld.
Auld, who won the nomination in a coin toss over Richard Harvey last summer stepped down as candidate citing health reasons. Over the past year, Auld’s presence as Conservative candidate left a very small footprint across the region.
Longtin who is twenty-six years of age, states he is “no stranger to the political realm, having served as Lakehead University Student Union President for two terms and having worked for Tim Hudak leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party and on Parliament Hill for Diane Finley thinks he can win this seat for the conservatives”.
At 26, if elected, Longtin would not be the youngest MP elected to the House of Commons, Wikipedia shares “The youngest-ever elected member of the Canadian House of Commons is Claude-André Lachance, who was elected at the age of 20 years and 3 months in 1974. In the past, MPs such as Pierre Poilievre, Andrew Scheer and Lorne Nystrom have also held the distinction.
“For a number of years this riding has been held by every party except for the Conservative party. Party members are yearning for the chance to have an elected voice. I bring youth, energy, creativity and vital experience to the table. We have a real chance, but we need someone who can bring us together. Someone who can bring new members of all ages into this party and someone who can bring a dynamic team and campaign together,” shares Longtin.
Longtin states, “That his priorities are the real priorities of the residents of Thunder Bay- Superior North. People just want someone who cares, someone who is going to listen, who can deliver good paying jobs, safer communities and rally the riding behind a vision.”
While Richard Harvey has the endorsement of Greg Rickford the Member of Parliament from Kenora, Longtin has sought out the endorsements of former candidate Bev Sarafin.
Sarafin states, “During the winter election, Richard joined me in the cold and snow. During the following years, he explored his political self; and showed his savvy and strong work ethic by becoming the President of the Lakehead University Students’ Union. He approaches politics with the attitude of openness to his constituents’ views; realises he is there to serve, not be served; and has a strong belief in the potential of Thunder Bay-Superior North. Today Richard is making his past candidate proud by stepping into the ring. I wish him every success”.
As well, Longtin has the support of the former candidate Mike Auld. “Richard Longtin is an exceptional campaigner and has great ideas to win. He was a great asset to the team and myself. He likes to meet people and is a good listener! These qualities, along with an astute knowledge of politics, will make him a great MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North and as an added bonus, youth is on his side!”
To vote for a candidate, a person must be a member in good standing of the Conservative Party of Canada. Memberships can be purchased from the candidates, or online at www.conservative.ca.
The Liberal Party has nominated Buchanan Forestry’s legal counsel Yves Fricot as their candidate, and the NDP have incumbent MP Bruce Hyer defending his seat in the next election.