The riding of Perth-Wellington has 75,217 eligible voters according to Elections Canada and after today's vote, a new face will represent those voters in Ottawa.
Conservative Gary Schellenberger retired before this campaign after winning four consecutive elections.
Out of the three local ridings, Perth-Wellington has the most candidates in the running with six. They include candidates from the Conservative, Liberal and NDP parties as well as candidates from the Green Party, Christian Heritage Party and an independent.
For a list of the candidates, click here.
The campaign has seen two party leaders visit the riding as the NDP's Tom Mulcair visited multiple times in support of candidate Ethan Rabidoux. He's touched on local issues such as keeping VIA rail operating in the area. And also provided a three-point plan to improve risk management tools for farmers, creating hiring incentives for small businesses and investing in public transit. He has also battled questionable social media posts including one on Tumblr following the 2011 federal election stated that “the NDP wasn’t anywhere near ready to govern.”
For Conservative candidate John Nater, it's trying to hold the riding. Nater served as special assistant to Schellenburger for over a decade and was Mitchell’s representative on the council for West Perth. His campaign platform reflects issues being championed by the Prime Minister like job training, infrastructure investment, and low taxes.
Liberal candidate Stephen McCotter got a late campaign boost from a visit by party leader Justin Trudeau. He’s a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s and cites concerns about how federal decisions are affecting the region. His platform hinges on seeking federal investment for initiatives in Perth-Wellington that would include infrastructure, affordable housing, and agricultural development.
Also running are Nicole Ramsdale of the Green Party, Irma Devries of the Christian Heritage Party and Roger Fuhr as an independent.
Polls are open 9:30am to 9:30pm today.
