As of April 3, 2024, the current Milton riding is in a by-election. It was caused by Parm Gill’s resignation in order to run for the Federal Conservatives. Election Day is May 2, 2024.
Who’s Running?
Six candidates have registered so far to-date (April 8, as I write this). They are:
Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario: Zee Hamid
Liberal Party of Ontario: Galen Naidoo Harris
New Democratic Party of Ontario: Edie Strachan
Green Party of Ontario: Kyle Hutton
New Blue: John Spina
Independent: Arabella Vida
Candidate nominations close April 18.
How do I Vote?
You may vote at the Returning Office located inside Milton Mall until May 1, at 6pm. Canadians eighteen years of age or older are entitled to vote with valid ID
By mail-in ballot: Voters can participate by mail simply by picking up a main-in kit at the returning office. Completed kits must be returned no later by 6pm Eastern on Election Day (May 2)
Or any Advance poll voting location, which will be open 10am-8pm.
Keep watching the Elections Ontario website for more details on advance
polls.
Issues:
All Things Growth-related: Milton residents have realized that growth is a necessity. All they want is for council to be smart about it. There needs to be enough transit, schools, and water. Subdivisions should be built with enough street space to park on one side, enough garage space to park a car in.
Schools: I’ve been active as a reporter in this community since 2009, and have repeatedly heard that Milton has been at least ten years behind on building schools. And every one they have built has opened with portables on it.
Healthcare: The usual issues of finding a family doctor, hospital, and specialist wait times affect residents.
Unique to Milton:
The Reid Rd. Quarry: A project proposed by James Dick Construction Limited that would see approximately 990,000 tonnes/ year extracted through underwater blasting. According to Milton ACTION (Association of Citizens Together In Our Nassagewaya)’s website, it could affect the area’s sensitive wetlands, as well as the water for as many as 20,000 Campbellville and Milton residents.
Why is this Unique to Milton?
The PC Candidate Zee Hamid previously served on Milton Council, that has been unanimously opposed the project since it was first brought to the Town’s attention. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said when asked about it, he wouldn’t approve a development like this. The press conference was four years ago, what happens if Ford changes his mind?
Oh those feelings….
There’s a lot of anger at the Ford government’s policies in any area. In Milton you add that to the fact PC candidate was formerly involved in the Liberal both as a financial contributor and a one-time candidate, and it might a rough campaign.
The question about how much voters care about that kind of thing may determine the answer. Some may show up only to vote against Hamid as a way of expressing anger towards the governing party. Others may simply stay home as a show of disgust. It becomes a ground game to see who can get their supporters to the polls.