Riding associations in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound are moving forward with their candidate selection processes in anticipation of an early provincial election in 2025.
Current Progressive Conservative MPP Rick Byers announced in September that he will not seek re-election, leaving the PC party with an open nomination. Three candidates have confirmed their intention to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination: Brock Hamley, Christine Robinson, and Paul Vickers. The deadline for additional candidates to join the race is December 28, 2024. The official nomination meeting is set for January 18, 2025, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound.
The Green Party of Ontario is also advancing quickly, with its nomination process already underway. The party will select its candidate before any other party, with Joel Loughead and Natasha Akiwenzie confirmed as contenders. Voting will begin online on December 14, and the results will be announced on December 16.
The Liberal Party is preparing to launch its nomination process, with Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Liberal Riding Association President Peggy Hutchison confirming that three individuals have shown interest in running. Although Hutchison said no date has been set for the nomination meeting, it is expected to take place in February 2025.
At this time, no responses have been received from the riding associations of the NDP, Ontario Party, or New Blue Party of Ontario, all of which have not yet provided updates on their candidate selection plans.