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Judith Monteith-Farrell

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PC’s Steal Thunder Bay-Atikokan

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The Ontario PC Party makes history in Thunder Bay-Atikokan.

Kevin Holland, the Mayor of the Township of Conmee, is now a Member of Provincial Parliament for Doug Ford’s majority government after knocking off NDP incumbent Judith Monteith-Farrell.

“I was able to connect with constituents, voters at the doors, at the community centres and at the open houses that we were doing,” said Holland when asked about the win. “It was the grassroots style of campaigning that I think really resonated. It gave me a good opportunity to introduce myself to people one on one so they could get to know who I am and what I am all about.”

Holland has been in municipal politics for three decades and also owns a business.

A shortage of jobs in the riding is something he wants to address once he is sworn in.

“We need to diversify our workforce,” he said. “We have to start building our economy. With a strong economy, we can then sustain our healthy communities. If we don’t have that, then we won’t be able to afford the programs that help our communities.”

Prior to Monteith-Farrell being elected in 2018, the riding was held by Liberal Bill Mauro for 15 years.

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Decision 2022: Thunder Bay-Atikokan

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Just 13 days remain until Election Day in Ontario.

Three of the seven candidates running in Thunder Bay-Atikokan took part in a forum this week hosted by the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association and the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Eric Arner of the Green Party participated virtually while Robert Barrett of the Liberals and NDP incumbent Judith Monteith-Farrell were in the room for the one-hour session.

Kevin Holland, who is running for the Ontario PC Party, declined this invitation to participate, and one extended to his camp to take part in an event hosted by the Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers Support Group earlier in the month.

Barrett can’t understand not taking part in these events, adding “I just think it’s just so disrespectful for the Progressive Conservatives to not be sending out their candidates to speak and be accountable. Not only for the last four years but the next four years going forward.”

Monteith-Farrell feels the strategy is a pretty telling one should they get elected.

“If someone is not willing to talk to constituents and to be in an open forum and answer questions now, what are they going to do when and if they were elected?” Monteith-Farrell asked. “I feel that that is a lost opportunity for them because we don’t know what they stand for.”

Both Barrett and Monteith-Farrell were asked about having a strong voice at Queen’s Park after PC leader Doug Ford stated that he couldn’t even tell who the local members of provincial parliament (MPP) were while on a campaign stop on Saturday, May 7th.

“Doug Ford has been saying that for the last four years about any candidate that isn’t a PC candidate,” stated Monteith-Farrell. “His folks are rock stars and he doesn’t know our names. Maybe if he showed up in the legislature, he would hear a bit more. Just ask Kenora whose emergency rooms were closing, and they have a PC cabinet member there (Greg Rickford) so it’s not helping them.”

“I think any of the three candidates that took part (in the forum today) would do a very good job going forward and representing our constituents,” Barrett added. “I think they really care, our platforms are quite similar and I don’t think the Progressive Conservative platform just fits, whether it’s here in Northwestern Ontario or across the province.”

Election Day is Thursday, June 2nd with advanced polls open this weekend.

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Candidate Profile: Judith Monteith-Farrell

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Another election run for Judith Monteith-Farrell in the riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan.

The NDP Incumbent was first elected in 2018 as a Member of Provincial Parliament, but she is hoping for another successful campaign.

“I am proud that I have been able to really listen and get a handle on what people in the riding need,” said Monteith-Farrell. “I am really excited about being part of a Northern team. We have eight members from the North, and that is always exciting because we bring that perspective to Queen’s Park.”

Farrell feels there is an obvious need for mental health and addictions services in Northwestern Ontario, “What we have in our community are people that need our help and we need to move forward to help everyone have a better life. That involves housing, health care and ensuring that everyone has enough money to live on with good jobs and opportunities.”

In the last provincial election, Monteith-Farrell defeated Liberal candidate Bill Mauro by just 81 votes.

Election day is Thursday, June 2nd.