Voters in Ontario are set to cast ballots in two byelection races in the ridings of Milton and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. These races will be the first electoral test for new Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, who has been in the spotlight after months of contention with Premier Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservatives. The byelections were triggered by the resignations of two cabinet ministers, Parm Gill and Monte McNaughton, creating the need for new representatives in these ridings.
In Milton, the race is seen as a particularly winnable seat for the Ontario Liberals, with Ontario Liberal candidate Galen Naidoo Harris leading in the polls with 41 percent, closely followed by Progressive Conservative Zee Hamid with 39 percent. The margin of victory is expected to be slim, with both parties acknowledging that a few votes could make a significant difference. Voter turnout is seen as a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the election, with low voter turnout reported in early voting in both Milton and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
The Milton byelection has focused on local issues such as train service and opposition to a proposed quarry in the town. Naidoo-Harris and other opposition candidates have pledged to fight against the quarry project, which is currently undergoing an environmental assessment. Premier Doug Ford has stated that community input will be a deciding factor in the project’s future. In an effort to address local concerns, the Ford government has also announced plans to invest in improved GO Transit service between Toronto and Milton.
The race in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex is expected to be more favorable for the Progressive Conservatives, with PC candidate Steve Pinsonneault leading in the polls with 52 percent. Ontario Liberal Cathy Burghardt-Jesson is trailing behind at 21 percent, followed by the NDP and Green Party candidates. The riding was previously held by McNaughton, who resigned in 2023, leading to the need for a new representative. The outcome of this byelection will provide insight into public attitudes towards the government and potentially indicate any shifts in support for the Progressive Conservatives.
The results of these byelections will serve as a barometer of the public’s perception of the current political landscape in Ontario. For the Progressive Conservatives, a victory in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex would be a significant win, especially after a series of losses in previous byelections. The outcome in Milton will be closely watched, as it is a swing riding that has historically been closely contested. The byelections will also provide a gauge of public sentiment towards new Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and her leadership style.
Overall, the byelections in Milton and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex are important events in Ontario’s political sphere, with implications for both the government and opposition parties. The races will test the support for the Progressive Conservatives under Doug Ford, as well as the newly appointed Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie. The outcomes of these byelections will shape the political landscape in these ridings and provide insight into voter preferences and priorities as Ontario heads towards the next provincial election.
