The Ontario Liberal Party is set to nominate former Sault Ste. Marie mayor Debbie Amaroso as its candidate in a yet to be set provincial by-election.
In a media release issued by the Amaroso campaign, Premier Kathleen Wynne congratulated Amaroso on her acclamation as the Liberal candidate.
“With the representation provided by former Liberal MPP David Orazietti our government has a strong record of supporting the Soo,” said Wynne.
“We've invested in schools, the hospital, Sault College and Algoma University, and provided targeted support for businesses to grow and for roads and bridges to be repaired and rebuilt. Having an experienced community builder and proven advocate like Debbie on our team at Queen's Park will help us continue to build Sault Ste. Marie up. She's the best prepared candidate to hit the ground running and make sure Sault Ste. Marie's voice in government makes a real difference in her hometown.”
The party has scheduled a nomination meeting for Saturday.
Before the end of June, Wynne must set a date for the by-election to replace long time MPP David Orazietti. He resigned back in December. At the time, Orazietti said he was leaving politics to spend more time with his family. The former teacher is now an academic dean at Sault College.
The Progressive Conservatives have chosen current city councillor Ross Romano, while the NDP have also selected a member of council, Joe Krmpotich.
Amaroso herself is former city councillor. She served on council for nine years before running for mayor back in 2006. She lost to incumbent mayor John Rowswell.
Seven years ago, Amaroso became the Sault’s first female mayor. She lost her re-election bid to current Sault mayor Christian Provenzano back in 2014.
Amaroso is also a former manager of the Sault's March of Dimes branch.
All three party leaders have made stops in the Sault this year, ahead of the by-election.
The Liberals have held the Sault Ste. Marie riding since 2003. Previously, the city was NDP orange for 18 years. The PCs haven’t captured the Sault since 1981.
