September 19 is election day in the Bay of Quinte. Three of the four major provincial parties announced candidates this week, competing for the spot resigned by former MPP Todd Smith August 16.

A pair of Belleville City Councillors face off on the September 19 ballot. Businessman Tyler Allsopp is the Progressive Conservative candidate, while Quinte Broadcasting radio host Sean Kelly stands for the Liberal Party of Ontario.

Both councillors are taking a leave of absence from municipal governance to run. Should one of them claim the role of MPP, they will forfeit their council seat.

The Liberals’ nomination, Mr. Kelly, has run before, in his home riding of Barry’s Bay back in 2007.

He is Chair of Belleville City Council’s Economic Development Committee and has been a steadfast champion for better health care and education. He’s previously served on the Algonquin and Lakeshore
Catholic District School Board.

The Mix97 Program Director and Morning Host took a shot at Mr. Smith’s former boss at Queen’s Park in announcing his candidacy.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand how Doug Ford’s cuts are having a devastating impact on our community. The Belleville General Hospital has the second highest wait times in the province, and it’s all because of Doug Ford’s plan to sell off our public healthcare system to his rich insider friends that work in for-profit, private care.”

The Bay of Quinte New Democrat Party’s hopes are pinned on School Board trustee Amanda Robertson, who represents Belleville and Thurlow at the board table.

“I’m thrilled that Amanda is stepping up to serve the people of Bay of Quinte,” said Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles. “She has the experience and energy to fight for what matters, and I’m excited about the campaign ahead.”

“People in Bay of Quinte deserve health care they can rely on, homes they can afford and schools that set kids up for success,” said Ms. Robertson. “I’m running to bring our local solutions to the table, give our communities a stronger voice and to get results for working people.”

The New Democrats placed a distant second to Mr. Smith in the 2022 Ontario General Election.

Meanwhile, Mr. Smith is gearing up for life in the private sector after 13 years representing local interests at Queen’s Park. He starts his new career in the private sector right after Labour Day.

As for his potential replacement, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to see Tyler become the next candidate to serve the people of Bay of Quinte,” he said. “I know he’ll work hard to get it done. His deep roots in the community and experience in business will make him a powerful voice at Queen’s Park.”

The Bay of Quinte Green Party has made great strides in engaging the electorate with their regular Speaker Series and radio advertisements since the last election.

On Aug. 28, the local Riding Association announced President Lori Borthwick would be the party’s candidate in the upcoming byelection. A former respiratory therapist at the Belleville General Hospital for over 30 years, Ms. Borthwick sits on the board of the Quinte Field Naturalists.

Prince Edward County residents may vote in advance polls from Sept. 11 to 13 at the Wellington & District Community Centre, The Ameliasburgh Town Hall and the Masonic Lodge in Picton. Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated from it’s original version to reflect the latest announcement Bay of Quinte Green Party and include dates and locations of advanced poll voting opportunities in Prince Edward County.

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