Grit hopeful visits Chatham

By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com

Federal MP Nate Erskine-Smith believes he’s the one who can lead the Ontario Liberal Party back from the political wilderness.

Thrice elected to the House of Commons to represent the Toronto riding of Beaches-East York, the former lawyer is looking to head up the province’s red team.

Currently there are five hopefuls in the race that culminates in a leadership convention this November. The Ontario Liberals hold only seven of 124 seats at Queen’s Park.

As part of getting to know Ontarians around the province, Erskine-Smith paid a visit to Turn’s and Tales in downtown Chatham July 15, to shake a few hands and discuss the current state of the province under Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives.

“The Ford government puts short-term electoral gain ahead of the public interest,” Erskine-Smith told The Voice. “It’s the opposite of what we need. Instead, the government should be looking at long-term investment in infrastructure.”

The 39-year-old said the Ontario leadership race comes down to whoever can “engage the largest number of people to join the party and grow the party.”