Three candidates have stepped forward in an effort to succeed Rick Byers as Progressive Conservative nominee for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.
The Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Progressive Conservative Association has confirmed that three candidates have been approved by the provincial nomination committee and are officially in the race to become the riding’s nominee in the next provincial election.
In September, current MPP Rick Byers announced that he would not be seeking reelection after a single term in the job.
Vying for the nomination are: Owen Sound city councillor Brock Hamley, former West Grey Mayor Christine Robinson and former Meaford councillor Paul Vickers.
Hamley is in his second term as a councillor on Owen Sound city council and serves as a chief of staff at Queen’s Park.
“My family and I have deep roots in our community. Multiple generations of my family have called the shores of Georgian Bay and the Bruce Peninsula home, and after getting our education and starting our careers, my wife and I knew this is where we wanted to live,” he said in a news release. “I also knew I wanted to give back to the community that welcomed me home with open arms.”
His priorities include: addressing the rising cost of living by fighting the federal carbon tax, bringing more doctors, nurses and health professionals to the area, supporting local farmers, improving skills training for youth, seniors care and eliminating excessive red tape and regulation.
“As your member of provincial parliament, I will be accountable, approachable and hard-working,” Hamley said. “Most importantly, I will be active here in this community, for this community.”
Robinson served as mayor of West Grey and was a member of Grey County council from 2018 to 2022. She has 35 years of administrative municipal government experience having held leadership roles, including CAO, as well as acting clerk. Robinson has a master's degree in public administration, a bachelor of arts degree in political science, an executive certificate in conflict management and has attained the level of certified municipal officer.
“Between now and the nomination meeting, I will be travelling in the Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound riding, talking to people, listening to their concerns and understanding the issues that matter to them,” Robinson said in a news release. “It would be my honour to be selected as the new MPP candidate to represent the PC Party in the next provincial election.”
Robinson currently volunteers as the host of The Morning Show with Scott and Christine on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio. She is the president of the Neustadt Normanby Carrick Agricultural Society, former vice-president of the Durham Hospital Foundation, board member of the Durham Agricultural Society and director for the Neustadt and District Lions Club. Robinson and her husband Scott raise, train and show horses.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to be an approved candidate for the nomination meeting – the Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound riding is a beautiful area," said Robinson. “I encourage people to contact me at 519-369-1505. Let’s have a conversation, I want to hear from you.”
Paul Vickers served on Meaford council from 2018 to 2022 and is currently serving on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s board of directors.
"I have spent my entire life in this riding—born and raised on a dairy farm outside of Meaford, where my wife Karen and I raised our four children," Vickers said in a news release. "For over 35 years, I’ve worked alongside my family to grow our third-generation dairy farm, and now, with my son Jack as a partner, we continue to build on our success."
After graduating from Georgian Bay Secondary School in 1984 and earning a diploma in Agriculture from the University of Guelph in 1986, Vickers has been deeply involved in both the agricultural industry and the local community. Paul served for 15 years on the Board of Gay Lea Foods Cooperative, including two years as chair and then was elected to Meaford council.
"I believe I am the best candidate because my experience has shown me how to work effectively with others, ask the tough questions, and push for what’s right. I have always stood up for my community and the values of the people in our riding. Above all, I believe in governing for the majority, not just the minority," said Vickers.
The nomination meeting will be held on Jan. 18 at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound. Speeches from candidates will start at noon with voting being held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The results will be announced at 5:30 p.m.
