TIMMINS - When the next provincial election is called, Timmins has its Progressive Conservative candidate.
Yesterday (Nov. 12), George Pirie was acclaimed as the PC candidate for the Timmins riding. Currently the Minister of Mines, Pirie is in his first term as a Member of Provincial Parliament after ousting longtime NDP MPP Gilles Bisson in 2022.
Prior to be electing provincially, Pirie was the Timmins mayor.
"Serving the people of Timmins is one of my life's greatest honours, and I'm eager to keep building on the progress we've made together," said Pirie in a news release from the Timmins PC riding association.
"Our community deserves the best, from reliable health care to strong economic foundations, and I am committed to working with our team to ensure Timmins remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
While there are still two years in this term for the Ontario PC government, there is speculation that an election will be called in 2025. Premier Doug Ford has given his MPPs until Dec. 1 to say whether or not they are seeking re-election.
"George has been a tireless champion for Timmins, consistently working to bring real benefits to his community," said Ford in the news release.
"From creating opportunities for good-paying jobs to driving essential investments in health care and infrastructure, George embodies our commitment to to making Ontario a stronger, more affordable place for families. His efforts to reduce costs, cut the gas tax, and unlock new opportunities for Northern Ontario are making a lasting difference in people's lives."
So far, the Timmins NDP and Liberal riding associations have not named their candidates.
In neighbouring Mushkegowuk-James Bay, Guy Bourgouin will carry the NDP banner, though no other candidates have been named.
In Timiskaming-Cochrane, veteran NDP MPP John Vanthof was recently nominated to run for the party again.
