Sault Ste. Marie's New Democrats will choose between a city councillor and a founding member of ACCANO (African Caribbean Canadian Association of Northern Ontario) as their candidate in the upcoming provincial election.
Ward 2 Coun. Lisa Vezeau-Allen, who earlier had been announced as seeking the party's local federal nomination, has now shifted her focus to the provincial race.
She's up against Dave Mornix, a well-known local motivational speaker and activist.
"Born in Trinidad & Tobago and raised in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Dave has called Sault Ste. Marie home since 2002, where he has tirelessly worked to foster connection, inclusion, and opportunity," says an interval NDP announcement of the nomination meeting.
"After completing academic upgrading at Sault College, he earned a diploma in Graphic Design and a Sociology degree from Algoma University."
"Lisa Vezeau-Allen grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.," says the party announcement.
"She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Laurentian University (Algoma Campus) in 1991 and attained a Not-for-Profit Management postgraduate degree in 2006 from St. Clair College.
"She served as SSM NDP Provincial Riding Association vice president from 2010-2012 and has worked on various campaigns for the party, including Tony Martin's 2011 federal race."
Celia Ross, president of the Ontario NDP Riding Association in Sault Ste. Marie, said the association members are thrilled to have "a contested nomination with two outstanding candidates.
"This process shows the strength of our local movement and the deep commitment to our community to building a brighter future. Dave and Lisa embody the values and determination we need to bring real, positive change to our community," Ross said in a news release.
The nomination meeting will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Delta Hotel.
Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting to meet the candidates, although only NDP members in good standing are allowed to vote.
As SooToday's Darren Taylor reported last night, the local Progressive Conservative candidate could be chosen by Premier Doug Ford with no vote from local party members.