With the federal election expected to be October 19, local riding associations are getting into gear nominating candidates and beginning the campaign process.
This time around, the riding boundaries have been re-jigged to add another seat in the House of Commons for Waterloo Region.
In the newly created Kitchener South-Hespeler riding, the Liberals have nominated Marwan Tabbara, the Conservatives Marian Gagne, the New Democrats Diane Freeman and the Greens David Weber.
Here in Kitchener-Conestoga, incumbent Conservative Harold Albrecht will be challenged by Liberal Tim Louis, New Democrat James Villeneuve and Bob Jonkman of the Green Party.
Federal election campaigns on average, have historically begun in earnest 37 days out from voting day.
But there’s plenty for candidates, their staff and volunteers to do to get ready.
Tim Louis, for example, was nominated back in February, and has been working with campaign volunteers nearly every day since to prepare for the fall.
“I’ve been out encouraging people to get out and vote, not just to make a point, but to actually make a difference,” Louis said.
He’s taken part in numerous events, including a surprise visit by Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau on Canada Day at the University of Waterloo.
NDP nominee Villeneuve ran for the party in last year’s provincial election, finishing third behind Progressive Conservative Michael Harris and Liberal Wayne Wright.
He’ll be hosting a “day of action” rally at the Wellesley Community Centre August 8 alongside party leader Thomas Mulcair.
Meanwhile, Albrecht was in Breslau this week to announce federal government funding for accessibility improvements at the Breslau Community Centre.
