HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RIDING BEFORE VOTING

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

THE RIDING

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke 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, Conservative incumbent 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 20182021; 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.

OLIVER JACOB, LIBERAL: Born and raised in Renfrew County, Liberal candidate 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.

KURT STOLL, NDP: Born and raised on a grain farm in rural Saskatchewan, NDP candidate 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.

ANNA DOLAN, GREEN: Green Party candidate Anna Dolan previously studied architecture at Carleton University, where she was introduced to the ways that good landuse 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.

KADE MACWILLIAMS, ONTARIO PARTY: Ontario Party candidate 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.

THOMAS O'CONNOR, NEW BLUE PARTY: A member of the electrical trades while campaigning for MPP, New Blue Party candidate 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. “

MURRAY REID, ONTARIO PROVINCIAL CONFEDERATION OF REGIONS PARTY: Ontario Provincial Confederation of Regions Party candidate Murray Reid is the de-facto leader of the 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.

Health care (both immediate and longterm), shortage of affordable housing and the economy are among some of the issues that are top of mind for Renfrew-NipissingPembroke 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.