HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RIDING BEFORE VOTING

WHO WILL BECOME MPP AFTER JUNE 2 PROVINCIAL ELECTION?

Here's a rundown of what you need to know about Renfrew-NipissingPembroke and its candidates before the provincial election on June 2.

THE RIDING

Renfrew-NipissingPembroke is located in the eastern portion of southern Ontario and includes Renfrew County, the City of Pembroke and part of the territorial district of Nipissing. It sits along the Ottawa River and borders on a western section of Quebec. The population of the largely rural riding, according to the 2021 census, is 107,420 residents.

THE RACE JOHN YAKABUSKI, CONSERVATIVE, INCUMBENT

First elected as MPP in 2003, John Yakabuski has served in several positions in the provincial government, including as the minister of transportation in 2018 and the minister of natural resources and forestry between 2018-2021; he was recently moved to the parliamentary assistant to the premier. Before venturing into politics, he was a real estate sales representative and owner-operator of Yakabuski's Home Hardware

in Barry's Bay.

"My No. 1 priority is the people of our riding. I have a long record of serving and will continue to do just that. My experience and proven commitment is something people know they can rely on."

OLIVER JACOB, LIBERAL

Born and raised in Renfrew County, Oliver Jacob is a community leader, youth advocate and volunteer who has worked in various roles, including being a board member for Arnprior Regional Health, United Way East Ontario — Renfrew County and acting as former co-chair of the Renfrew County Youth Network. Since 2018, Jacob has served as the youngest councillor in the history of the Township of McNab/ Braeside.

"In this campaign, I am proud to represent Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke as your Ontario Liberal candidate as we work together to invest in highquality education, invest in supportive health care and revitalized long-term care, and bring much-needed support to our small businesses and communities right across Renfrew County."

KURT STOLL, NDP

Born and raised on a grain farm in rural Saskatchewan,

Kurt Stoll has close to 20 years of experience in managing mining, agriculture and nuclear projects in various parts of the country. Stoll, who currently resides in Deep River, has worked in research and development since 2018.

"My team is working with local businesses and unions to leverage the high-tech talent here in the Valley. We want to ensure our region becomes an important contributor to Ontario's future green economy. I'm ready to contribute to Andrea Horwath's team."

ANNA DOLAN, GREEN

Green Party candidate Anna Dolan previously studied architecture at Carleton University, where she was introduced to the ways that good land-use planning can address the worsening climate emergency. As a mother, wife and architect, she strives to preserve the natural habitat and improve health care, among other things.

"We need to reimagine our built environment to be more green, healthy and climate-friendly. That means protecting prime agricultural land, wetlands and other sensitive areas by encouraging infill development to prevent endless sprawl."

KADE MACWILLIAMS, ONTARIO PARTY

Kade MacWilliams, a biomedical and electrical engineering student at Carleton University, is aware of the challenges that education and housing pose to local residents. The 19-year-old, who grew up in Pembroke, believes that respect for freedom, responsibility, financial prudence and accountability are needed in all levels of government.

"One of the most crucial shortcomings of our political system is the total lack of accountability our politicians have to the people. The people should be in charge of Ontario, not lobbyists in Toronto."

THOMAS O'CONNOR, NEW BLUE PARTY

A member of the electrical trades while campaigning for MPP, Thomas O'Connor's experience in politics includes 13 years as a former paramedic, which was directly affected by both municipal and provincial politics. The 35year-old says the issues that need to be addressed in this riding include health care, jobs and housing.

"We need more family physicians and better access to care in order to help decrease wait times in hospitals. Hospitals and longterm-care facilities require more staffing and better funding. We also need to increase the number of longterm-care homes to help with placement."

MURRAY REID, ONTARIO PROVINCIAL CONFEDERATION OF REGIONS PARTY

Murray Reid is the defacto leader of the Ontario Confederation of Leaders (CoR) party, having helped found it in 1990 and running for MPP in the area for many years. Reid is a former singer, musician and recording artist.

The CoR party campaigns on the promotion of direct democracy, protection of Canadian heritage and environmental sustainability, while opposing urban sprawl onto farmland, big business and unionization.

THE ISSUES

Health care (both immediate and long-term), shortage of affordable housing and the economy are among some of the issues that are top of mind for RenfrewNipissing-Pembroke voters.

BACKGROUND

Yakabuski was first elected MPP of the riding in 2003, having served consecutively since then; he won the previous provincial election with 68.5 per cent of the vote. Prior to that victory, the riding was a Liberal stronghold for many years.