- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

Since I was old enough to vote, I have worked for, donated to and put my X beside the names of candidates of four different political parties.  Issues and platforms of the day, biographies and character of the candidates and party leadership influenced my decisions.

The Ontario Liberal Party will be choosing a permanent leader later this fall, and one of the candidates, Nate Erskine-Smith, will be in Owen Sound this coming week to meet potential voters.  He currently serves as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Beaches-East York, elected three times since 2015.

I would always encourage citizens to learn as much as they can about anyone who does, or might, hold elected office or a position of leadership at any level of our government.  If you would like to take this opportunity to meet Mr. Erskine-Smith, the Meet and Greet will take place at Joe Tomato's, next to the Galaxy Cinema,  on Tuesday, August 15 at 7:30.

The event is free of course, but the RSVP link is here.

More information about Nate Erskine-Smith, including policy positions on housing, climate and other issues  is at MeetNate.ca

His podcast Uncommons covers subjects including provincial issues like for-profit healthcare and affordable housing, with a wide range of guests across party lines.

Mr. Erskine-Smith is one of five candidates for the Ontario Liberal leadership. The 2023 Ontario Liberal Leadership Election is the first to ever use a one-member-one-vote system with preferential ballots.

The final date to join the Ontario Liberal Party, as a member of a constituency association or women’s club, and be eligible to vote in the leadership election, is Monday, September 11, 2023 and party members will cast ranked ballots on  November 25 and 26.

During the leadership election, the Party will also host at least five debates around the province. Dates and locations for these debates will be announced at a later date.