LEEDS-GRENVILLE-THOUSAND ISLANDS AND RIDEAU LAKES

THE RIDING

Leeds—grenville— Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes (electoral district 052) has a population of 100,545 and it spans an area of 3,747 square kilometres, according to 2016 census data.

It borders the ridings of Lanark—frontenac— Kingston; Kingston and the Islands; Carleton; and Stormont—dundas— South Glengarry.

The riding encompasses 13 municipalities:

• Township of Athens

• Township of Augusta

• City of Brockville

• Township of Edwardsburgh/cardinal

• Township of Elizabethtown-kitley

• Township of Front of Yonge

• Town of Gananoque

• Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands

• Village of Merrickville-wolford

• Municipality of North Grenville

• Town of Prescott

• Township of Rideau Lakes

• Village of Westport

THE RACE

Six candidates are vying for the MPP spot in Leeds—grenville—thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, including a mix of familiar and new faces.

After being the riding's federal Liberal candidate in the 2019 election, South Augusta research director Josh Bennett enters the provincial realm for the

Liberals in 2022.

Incumbent Steve Clark is a former three-term mayor of Brockville, seeking re-election for the position he's held since 2010.

Running as the candidate for the Ontario People's Front is electrical engineer and current Merrickville-wolford Coun. Stephen Ireland, while Gananoque's Fiona Jager, a registered nurse, represents the Green Party.

The New Blue party's Daniel Kitsch is new to the political scene. He's a Brockville business owner and school bus driver.

Rounding out the candidates is North Grenville's Chris Wilson of the New Democratic Party, who has made a career in commercial risk management.

THE ISSUES

When asked by our news team for the top issues in the 2022 election, the topic of affordability, both with housing and food costs was a major one for candidates. It was followed closely by health care (rural, mental health and long-term care), as well as rebuilding the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other matters candidates hope to tackle include rural broadband, upgrading infrastructure, the province's debt, climate change and the lack of honesty and integrity in provincial government.

BACKGROUND

The riding has undergone some changes over the years, but has been a provincial electoral district since 1987. Prior to 2018, it was known as Leeds-grenville.

Since it was created,

the Progressive Conservatives have held a stronghold on the riding, with former MPP Bob Runciman representing the area in Queen's Park from 1987

to 2010. Clark was elected in a byelection in 2010 and has served the riding ever since.