THUNDER BAY – Andrew Foulds is going to seek the provincial NDP nomination for Thunder Bay Superior North. The Current River Ward Councillor made the announcement last night. The long expected move came after Fould consulted with his family, and supporters.

Foulds is a two-time Councillor for Current River and a teacher for the Lakehead Board of Education.

Andrew Foulds for Thunder Bay Superior North

The Thunder Bay Superior North NDP will be holding a nomination meeting to select their candidate for the next provincial election on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the Prince Arthur Hotel, 17 Cumberland Street North. The meeting will be held at 7:00PM.

Foulds is likely to go up against incumbent MPP Michael Gravelle, who has represented the riding for the past eighteen years.

The political scene in Ontario is dynamic. The minority Liberal Government will need the support of either the New Democrats or the Progressive Conservatives. The announcement by Foulds and the March 14th Nomination could signal that the New Democrats are getting ready for a campaign earlier rather than later. However in the past, NDP nomination meetings have been held far earlier. 

For Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle, the focus is on moving the region forward. Gravelle has been handed the responsibility for the Ring of Fire and mining in Ontario. It is a huge concern in the region.

The challenge for Gravelle could be two-fold. First if the Liberals look like they are going down to defeat, a motivated NDP vote could present the potential of an ‘Orange Wave’ in the riding. The other could be time. If voters feel the popular Gravelle has served the riding well, but that it is time for a change, Foulds could have a successful campaign.

Political Contrasts

It will be a contrast in political generations – Foulds has been engaged in several activities around the city, and has used new communications options more than many Councillors.

On Thunder Bay Council, Mayor Hobbs, Aldo Ruberto and Andrew Foulds are the only members who are regulars on Facebook. In terms of regular columns in the local media, Foulds has been a fairly regular contributor as well.

Minister Gravelle holds the advantage, as both Minister and as incumbent.

Getting media coverage is often easier for an incumbent. As Councillor, Foulds has similar opportunities too.

If the contest were Spike TV’s Deadliest Warrior, likely Gravelle would win the media battle portion of the battle.

However Foulds would likely win the Social Media component.

The Progressive Conservatives in Thunder Bay Superior North have become very quiet. There is little activity apparent in the riding. Anthony LeBlanc was the candidate during the last campaign. The PCs expected great things from LeBlanc, but Gravelle won re-election.

There is no current web presence for the PCs in Thunder Bay Superior North. 

Politics is always interesting in Thunder Bay. The coming months promise to be more interesting than most.