The final weekend in February is when the local Conservatives will vote on which nominee will be the chosen Conservative candidate for the 2019 federal election.
It’s expected there will be two voting locations on Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25 — one in Pembroke and another in Renfrew.
The process to hold a nomination is in the hands of a local candidate nomination committee comprised of the current MP’s executive.
Nominee Michael Coates said, “The lack of timely information about the process is disappointing. Conservative members want to make their plans around the actual voting days , and the lack of transparency isn’t helping. I’ve written to the executive Director of the Party asking for immediate confirmation of dates, times and locations. I hope to get clarity shortly.”
The cut-off date for those looking to purchase a membership and vote for the candidate of their choice is February 1.
Mr. Coates noted this time period has been challenging for his team to travel around one of the largest ridings in the country.
“…but our team has met that challenge and encountered nothing but positive feedback from all those we meet. There is a desire for change, and we are confident we will deliver that change.”
Mr. Coates issued a challenge to MP Gallant for a public debate to be held on Tuesday, January 23, but she did not respond to the request.
“It is very important that we appear together to discuss the issues in a formal debate in front of our members,” he said. “That is the only way to allow the membership to make an informed decision ahead of the voting dates.
“I am hopeful Mrs. Gallant will stand with me in front of our members and together, we can clearly state our vision and platform that will pave the way for another Conservative victory in 2019.”
