Kitchener-Waterloo Byelection

[KevinL]

Witmer resigning as Kitchener-Waterloo MPP; son won’t seek seat
Record staff | Apr 27, 2012 | Link

On Friday, Elizabeth Witmer announced she is resigning as the Progressive Conservative MPP for Kitchener-Waterloo.

“Right now I’m not considering running in the byelection,” said Scott Witmer, a member of Waterloo city council.
“My focus will remain with my work as a city councillor.”

Witmer, 36, said his mother’s decision has been a life-changing one for the family.

In a statement, Elizabeth Witmer said, “This has been an extremely difficult decision to make, but I believe it is the right decision for me at this juncture in my life and career.”

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has nominated Witmer as chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

[KevinL]

Let the byelection speculation commence!

[dunkalunk]

Who wins the byelection wholly depends on when the by-election is being held. If it is during the regular University term, then the seat will almost certainly go Liberal or NDP. If summer, then it's a tossup IMO.

Having followed NDP candidate Isabel Cisterna's campaign last time around and knowing her ability to connect with people she meets, she may have a shot if there are students in town to vote for her.

Also, if Eric Davis were to run, he would most certainly have a decent shot as well.

Although not provincial, Stephen Woodworth is doing a great job of dragging the Conservative brand through the dirt by championing the abortion debate. Ineffective provincial conservative leadership on the part of Tim Hudak will also create a blow.

[isUsername]

Who wins the byelection wholly depends on when the by-election is being held. If it is during the regular University term, then the seat will almost certainly go Liberal or NDP. If summer, then it's a tossup IMO.

Having followed NDP candidate Isabel Cisterna's campaign last time around and knowing her ability to connect with people she meets, she may have a shot if there are students in town to vote for her.

Also, if Eric Davis were to run, he would most certainly have a decent shot as well.

Although not provincial, Stephen Woodworth is doing a great job of dragging the Conservative brand through the dirt by championing the abortion debate. Ineffective provincial conservative leadership on the part of Tim Hudak will also create a blow.

This will be a true test of whether KW is a Conservative riding or a Witmer riding.

[bzmwillemsen]

I think that the riding will go Liberal. Mostly because Witmer was a pretty small "L" liberal and big "C" Conservative.
She was very well known as being the leader of the Red Tories during the last Progressive Conservative leadership election.

[DHLawrence]

Are university students allowed to vote in their university's riding? I thought they could only vote at their permanent address's riding.

[timio]

Yep, if they provide proof of address (Utility bill, etc). There may be other ways, but I can't remember at this point.

[Newgrad]

Are university students allowed to vote in their university's riding? I thought they could only vote at their permanent address's riding.

Define permanent? When I was in school for the first few years I'd spend 8 months at school and 4 in another city... how does spending 1/3 of a year make that my permanent residence? I alwasy thought of Waterloo as my permanent residence and the summer months as my 'leaving to find a good paying job'. I can sort of see your point with students in residence, but the moment you lease your own place, I think it's pretty clear that you are a resident.

How much notice does McGuinty have to give for a by-election? 30 days? If he doesn't call one soon it looks like it might run into the next academic year. No one likes to campaign when its snowing though so you'd figure they'd have to have the by-election by October.

[BuildingScout]

How much notice does McGuinty have to give for a by-election? 30 days? If he doesn't call one soon it looks like it might run into the next academic year. No one likes to campaign when its snowing though so you'd figure they'd have to have the by-election by October.

The budget just passed which tells us that he doesn't want an election any time soon. Of course he might be forced into one any time, shall the NDP choose to take an intransigent position as Hudak did.

[Newgrad]

The budget just passed which tells us that he doesn't want an election any time soon. Of course he might be forced into one any time, shall the NDP choose to take an intransigent position as Hudak did.

Sorry about any confusion. I was referring to the by-election. If I recall correctly, McGuinty has to call a by-election for the riding to go to the polls.

[.FLH.]

In my opinion, it could be hard for the Cons to with this riding again. I think that a lot of people voted for Witmer because of who she was, I voted for her because of her personal qualities and not so much her party. I am unsure what I am going to do now, my wife and I are in a conundrum.

[BuildingScout]

From The Toronto Star:

Mayor Rob Ford says he will work to defeat the Liberal candidate in the crucial provincial byelection in Kitchener-Waterloo.

That alone makes me vote for the Liberals.

[DHLawrence]

He doesn't seem to realize that nobody outside the 416 really cares what he has to say.

[metropolis]

http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news...t-liberal-nom/

Scian considers run at Liberal nom

By Paige Desmond, Chronicle Staff
Waterloo city Coun. Karen Scian said she is seriously considering a run for the Liberal nomination in a byelection prompted by the resignation of veteran Tory MPP Elizabeth Witmer two weeks ago.
“I will say that I am thinking about seeking the nomination,” Scian told the Chronicle. “But it’s a big decision that is not to be taken lightly.”
Scian’s decision would have a ripple effect, opening a seat on city council.
Rumours have flown as all parties prepare for a byelection to be called by Premier Dalton McGuinty within the next six months.
Last week leaders of the Conservative, Liberal and New Democratic parties made stops in Kitchener-Waterloo to add to the buzz.
Witmer’s resignation after 22 years as MPP to serve as chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board opens up the opportunity for McGuinty to potentially win a majority if a Liberal was elected to take her place.
Also rumoured to make a run was Coun. Diane Freeman. Freeman told the Chronicle the rumours were off the mark.
“They’re just rumours,” Freeman said. “I find it interesting that I’m being used as a poster child.
“I’m just trying to do the best job I can around the Waterloo city council table.”
Witmer’s son Scott, also a city councillor, said he had no plans to follow in his mother’s footsteps. “At this time I’m not considering seeking the nomination.”

[UrbanWaterloo]

Tracey Weiler Nominated as Ontario PC Candidate for Kitchener-Waterloo
June 20, 2012 | Ontario PC | Link



The path to prosperity starts in Kitchener-Waterloo with the nomination of Tracey Weiler as the Ontario PC candidate for the coming by-election.

“Our community is home to confident, hard-working and innovative men and women who are ready to seize opportunities to ensure our future prosperity,” said Weiler. “I’ve seen how Ontario’s jobs and spending crisis is preventing us from reaching our full potential. We need a growing economy so our families can be optimistic for their futures, rather than worried about what they have today.”

“Ontario is headed in the wrong direction with eight years of overspending by the McGuinty Liberals that has dug us into a deep financial hole and turned Ontario into a have-not province,” noted Weiler.

Weiler thanked nomination candidates Don Kaluzny and Angela Vieth for an exciting nomination contest and their pledges of support. She vowed to immediately begin her campaign to share the Ontario PC plans to get the fundamentals of economic growth and government right.

“In the midst of a job crisis, debt crisis and credit downgrade, we are the only the Party offering a new path to get our economic house in order and get our economic fundamentals right,” said Weiler. “We need policies that will encourage growth – not slow it down – so we can have the health care, education and world-class infrastructure we need.”

She concluded she would work tirelessly to champion ideas to create the right environment for a more prosperous future, including:

• Stopping government overspending
• Freezing public sector wages
• Creating 200,000 jobs in the skilled trades by allowing employers to take on more apprentices
• Treating affordable energy as the cornerstone of economic growth

Weiler is married with two children and is a business professional, educator and community volunteer.

CONTACT: 519-208-4133 | KW@ontariopc.com

[UrbanWaterloo]

Stacey Danckert has been selected as the Green Party of Ontario candidate.

Stacey Danckert



Stacey has a deep passion for protecting the environment and future of her two sons.

Stacey recently received her PhD in Psychology, her research being focused on exploring the bases of memory in and consequences of aging on the brain. Her training as a scientist has provided her with the skills required to be a good candidate for the Green Party.

Stacey has sat on the Environmental Advisory Committee for the Kitchener City Council and has loved watching various positive plans become implemented. She wants to do more for her great community and affect positive change. She is convinced the GPO’s forward-thinking approach and policy platforms are the way to move forward. She shares the goal of creating a strong economy with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Stacey wants to work with the communities of Kitchener-Waterloo to make the riding a great place in which to work and live.

[UrbanWaterloo]

About 500 supporters gathered tonight for an Ontario Liberal Party BBQ at Bingemans.

July 17, 2012

[UrbanWaterloo]

Provincial Byelections Called In Kitchener-Waterloo and Vaughan
August 8, 2012 11:00 AM | Government of Ontario | Link



A writ was issued today under Section 9.1 of the Election Act for byelections in the electoral districts of Kitchener-Waterloo and Vaughan. The byelections will fill current vacancies in the provincial parliament.

Under the Election Act, elections must be called on a Wednesday and held the fifth Thursday after the date of the issue of the writ. Voting day will be September 6, 2012.

[pnijjar]

There are currently ten candidates registered for the byelection: http://wemakevotingeasy.ca/en/electo...-waterloo.aspx .

I had trouble finding information about all-candidates meetings, so I emailed the campaigns of the NDP, Liberal, Progressive Conservative, Green and Libertarian parties. I received feedback from the Greens and NDP.

Here are the debates I know of currently:

Monday August 27, 7-9pm: Record debate held at the Viennese Ballroom at the Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel, 475 King St. North, Waterloo. http://www.therecord.com/news/local/...-monday-aug-27

Tuesday August 28, 7-9:30pm. KW Common Front all-candidates meeting at First United Church, 16 William Street West, Waterloo. The candidates I emailed did not seem to be aware of this forum. http://www.therecord.com/news/local/...coalition-says

Wednesday, August 29, 7-9pm?: KW Chamber of Commerce debate held at Kitchener City Hall (outside the electoral district, which was the excuse one candidate used in the federal election to skip the debate). They have only invited candidates from the four biggest parties. http://greaterkwchamber.com/en/worki...erlooforum.asp


There is also a "Health Town Hall" event organized by the PCs. I do not know whether other candidates are invited.

Thursday, August 30, 6:30pm-8pm, Country Hills Community Centre, 100 Rittenhouse Road, Kitchener. http://www.therecord.com/news/local/...y-in-kitchener