TIMMINS - With veteran politician Charlie Angus retiring, the local NDPs have selected who will carry the party banner in the next federal election.
Nicole Fortier-Levesque has been elected as the candidate for the upcoming election.
Two people put their name forward for the nomination — Fortier-Levesque and Fort Albany deputy chief Terry Metatawabin. The Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk NDP Riding Association held a nomination meeting on Saturday, where members heard from the candidates before the 24-hour voting period opened. The winner was announced this afternoon (Nov. 24).
Fortier-Levesque was born in Opasatika and was a teacher at Cité de Jeunes in Kapuskasing for decades. She is also the former mayor of Moonbeam, where she served as a councillor first.
"The nomination race was a nail-biter. I congratulate Nicole Fortier-Levesque for her organizational skills and ability to connect with our grassroots. Her experience in education, municipal politics, and supporting the Franco-Ontarian community will build bridges across our riding. She will be a dedicated and hardworking MP," said Angus in a news release.
RELATED: 'Perfect time to pass the baton': Charlie Angus not seeking re-election
The latest the next federal election will be is October 2025, but the writ could drop any time before then.
The local Conservatives named their candidate more than a year ago — retired forestry executive Gaétan Malette. A local Liberal candidate has not been announced yet.
The next federal election will also see a new riding locally as new riding boundaries took effect on April 22, 2024.
SEE: Timmins riding lines redefined, MP cut from Northern Ontario
The new Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk riding starts in the Kirkland Lake area, capturing communities along Highway 11 North and extends up to Peawanuck. It has a population of 93,948.
