Chatham-Kent—Leamington: Candidate overview

CTV Windsor's Ricardo Veneza has the details on who's running for provincial government in Chatham-Kent-Leamington.

There are six candidates seeking the seat in the Chatham-Kent—Leamington riding in Ontario’s Feb. 27 election.

It’s a riding that brings together the communities of Leamington, Comber, and Tilbury as well as the city of Chatham, the Township of Pelee, and other parts of the former Kent County including Ridgetown, Highgate and Erieau.

Elections Ontario puts the riding population at 113,585 residents, using 2021 census data.

Voter turnout in the riding has declined in successive elections, with 56.79 per cent of registered voters casting a ballot in 2018 while just 44.87 per cent of registered voters turned up in 2022.

The riding has been held by the PC Party since Rick Nicholls won the seat following the retirement of longtime Liberal MPP Pat Hoy in 2011.

Trevor Jones

Trevor Jones is seeking re-election under the Progressive Conservative banner once again.

The party describes Jones as a strong community advocate with a focus on public safety given a previous background in law enforcement.

Key priorities include investment in rural high-speed internet, expanding healthcare, and boosting housing development.

Christian Sachs

Christian Sachs is the Ontario NDP challenger in the riding.

The party describes the Thames Valley District School Board trustee as a dedicated mother of five and passionate community advocate.

Key priorities include a commitment to sustainable and rural communities with a focus on improving education, healthcare, and affordable housing.

Matthew Davey

Matthew Davey is the Green candidate in the riding.

The party describes him as a business and family man with a vision for a vibrant economy.

“The Green Party to me is an opportunity to welcome the optimism of a future where our successes are based on the wellbeing of both ourselves and our environment,” said Davey, in a statement on the party website.

Bill Kirby

Bill Kirby is running for the Ontario Liberals.

The party describes him as a lifelong community leader, championing real solutions for mental health, housing, and job security.

“I’m running to ensure rural voices are heard — loudly — at Queen’s Park and within caucus,” said Kirby, in a statement on the party website. “We must listen and act.”

Rhona Jubenville

Rhona Jubenville is the New Blue Party candidate in the riding.

The party describes the Chatham-Kent councillor as an exceptional member of the party, touting her pushback of COVID-19 policies and efforts in changing the municipality’s flag raising policy to exclude special interest representation as key career successes.

Phillip St-Laurent

Phillip St-Laurent is seeking the seat under the Ontario Party banner.

Speaking in a video posted to social media, St-Laurent says his key priorities include ending government corruption and overreach and ending what he calls “indoctrination” in Ontario public schools.