According to polling, health care concerns in the Sault mean support of the PC party is down from the 2022 election.
A poll from EKOS Research shows support of the party in the Sault is down from 47 per cent in 2022 to 32 per cent, according to a poll of 308 voters commissioned by the Ontario Federation of Labour and completed on Wednesday.
The same poll shows support of the NDP and Liberals at 27 per cent each.
“In Sault Ste. Marie, health care is the top concern of 40 per cent, well above affordability, which is a real statement in these times” said Tom Parkin of Impact Strategies in a news release.
“Obviously fears and anger about Group Health Centre’s shut-down is having a big impact on the campaign in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Parkin.
The polling results may also reflect the retirement of PC incumbent Ross Romano and concern about his appointed replacement, Chris Scott, who is not from the Sault and was chosen by Doug Ford.
Lisa Vezeau-Allen has been nominated by local NDP members. The Liberals have not yet selected a candidate.