Two new contestants have emerged to be the Conservative candidate to represent the Sault St. Marie – Algoma riding in the federal election that could be called soon.
Sonny Spina and Chris Patrie’s names were included in a poll issued by the local riding association on Monday night.
The email, which was leaked to SooToday, says the Conservative Party could appoint a candidate without a vote from local members.
“In the opinion of the local Conservative Board, an election may be called without enough time for the local association to implement a standard Candidate Selection Meeting,” the email said.
“In this case, the Conservative Party may appoint a Candidate without a Candidate Selection Meeting. We are soliciting your opinion about the contestants; in the event this occurs.”
Members have until Friday, March 21 at noon to respond to the poll, although the email said the results are "not binding" on the Conservative Party.
The email has bios for three members – Michael Gassi, Cameron Ross, and Patrie, while the poll includes those names along with Spina’s name.
In Patrie’s bio, he says he’s always been “a staunch Conservative supporter as I understand and support the party’s policies and beliefs. I know now is the time to turn our riding blue in support of our leader, Pierre Poilievre, in being Canada’s next Prime Minister.”
Patrie, a former mayor of Elliot Lake, was ousted from office in 2023 after a judge ruled he violated two sections of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act during his previous term as a city councillor. He lost his appeal to the Superior Court.
In a 37-page decision, a three-judge panel of the Ontario Superior Court’s Divisional Court ruled against each of Patrie’s eight grounds for appeal.
His bio says he is currently self-employed along with his wife. They own and operate a retail business catering to tourists.
One of the other contestants, Spina, spent 18 years as a constable and detective with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service before becoming a partner with Brampton-based Anderson Blake Security and co-owner of City Meat Market.
He has served as a Ward 1 councillor in Sault Ste. Marie since 2022.
Gassi's bio said he has invested 65 years into the community and the region.
"I am a tradesperson and a mechanical engineer. I was employed by Algoma Steel for 38 years and continue to work in the consulting field in steel and mining."
Ross told SooToday last week he has had two careers.
"My first career was in the military. I served 35 years. Twenty-two or 23 years in the army and another 12 years in the reserve force. And I commanded a Canadian Brigade Group headquartered in Ottawa.
"For the last 25 years I've been the CEO of the Algoma Mutual Insurance Company."
Both Ross and Gassi put their names forward for the Conservative Party in January of last year.
They told SooToday last week that they are wondering what’s going on and if the Conservative Party would have more information soon.
Last week the local riding association referred SooToday to the Conservative Party's national councillor.
SooToday reached out to the national councillor, Stewart Kiff, but the call was not answered.
SooToday contacted the local riding association again on Tuesday but did not receive a response.
Current Liberal MP Sheehan said he will run again and the New Democratic Party confirmed Laura Mayer is its candidate for the riding.
Arnold Heino is running for the People's Party of Canada.