A familiar face running for the federal NDP in Huron Bruce will now try to make his mark provincially.
Grant Robertson was selected as the NDP candidate on Saturday night in Brussels and is back into the provincial politics scene — where he began back in 2003.
Robertson tells Bayshore Broadcasting News people are asking for change, and a different government.
Robertson says he’s very excited about the opportunity.
Robertson feels many residents across the region that just can’t afford another go around with the Dalton McGuinty government in power.
He says his campaign will also talk about Tim Hudak’s Progressive Conservative Party and how it could be a track right back to the past with Ernie Eves and Mike Harris.
Robertson calls the Ontario NDP a government that puts people first.
He states people aren’t happy with staying the course.
Robertson notes the NDP has grown and will give relief to Ontario families.
Robertson says if elected the NDP will take the HST out of Home hydro and heating.
He tells us they will also give more support to seniors as well as keep schools in communities.
Robertson says he decided to run provincially because of among other things the Walkerton jail closure and his interest in Ontario energy policies.
He notes current MPP Carol Mitchell was directly involved with the Walkerton Jail which cost 50 families employment.
Robertson notes he will have a campaign office in Kincardine very shortly.
Ontario New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath was also at the meeting in Brussels.
She tells Bayshore Broadcasting News the NDP has real concerns about what’s happening in rural Ontario.
She says the current Liberal government needs to be working more seriously with rural communities.
Horwath says she has concerns with the Green Energy Act.
She tells us an NDP government will give residents a voice to be heard again.
Horwath says the Green Energy Act is a very expensive private power — which has made it all about the private dollar and not about community benefit.
As for only having one nomination — Horwath isn’t disappointed.
She notes the committee worked very hard looking for candidates — but when Robertson decided to run for the position he was the right choice.
Horwath says as leader – she believes Robertson will do a great job.
