Milton’s provincial byelection officially underway

The Milton provincial byelection is on.

Thus far, five candidates are officially seeking to replace the seat left vacant by former MPP Parm Gill, who resigned in late January with eyes on running locally for the federal PCs.

Running for the Ontario PCs is Zeeshan Hamid, a former longtime town/regional councillor who came close to stopping Gord Krantz’s reign back in the 2022 mayoral election, losing by less than 1,000 votes.

Previously aligned with the Liberals, Hamid said his decision to join the PC was a reflection of his “commitment to the well-being and prosperity of Milton.”

His focus is on “keeping Milton moving” and affordability, championing the province’s plan to build Highway 413 and the promise to introduce two-way, all-day GO train service in Milton.

The Liberal candidate for the riding is Galen Naidoo Harris.

The son of former Milton Liberal MPP Indira Naidoo Harris, he previously worked as manager of community affairs for local Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden’s constituency office.

“I am proud to call Milton home and look forward to finding ways to lift up every local family Doug Ford has let down,” he said in a news release.

Edie Strachan, regional vice president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, will represent the NDP, while Kyle Hutton will be running for the Green Party, and Arabella Vida will do so as an independent.

Among the key election issues is the proposed quarry in Campbellville, north of Milton.

A meeting organized last week by advocacy group ACTION Milton heard from local residents who were frustrated by the long-drawn battle against the development, despite assurance from Premier Doug Ford — made about four years ago — that he would stop the quarry from happening.

“They want the premier to keep his promise,” said George Minakakis, chair of ACTION Milton.

Election day is May 2.