Englehart’s Val Kennedy has won the NDP Nomination
Englehart’s Val Kennedy has won the NDP nomination.
After 41 years with Ontario Northland, she retired in 2022 and is currently the Library Clerk in Englehart, and a teacher on call and educational assistant with the North Eastern Catholic District School Board.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been a fierce advocate for workers—serving as Chair, Vice President, and Women’s Advocate with Unifor Rail,” Kennedy writes on social media. “I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure workers’ rights are upheld, fought for better protections for women in the workplace, and helped stop the privatization of Ontario Northland. I’ve always stood up for Northern communities, and I will continue to do so.”
The NDP says she aims to advocate for improved healthcare access, sustainable economic development, and comprehensive support for marginalized groups, including the homeless and Indigenous communities.
Kennedy won the party nomination over North Bay’s Riley X. T. McEntee.
The federal Conservatives acclaimed Cassidy Villeneuve as their candidate just over a year ago.
She has worked for several Conservative MPs on Parliament Hill, including as Chief of Staff for the Conservative Shadow Minister of Public Safety.
Barring an early election call or the government falling once returning from prorogation later this month (March 24), Canadians will head to the polls on or before Oct. 20, 2025.
The ballot for the next federal election continues to take shape in Nipissing-Timiskaming.
Both the Liberals and New Democrats officially have their candidates.
Pauline Rochefort says it’s an honour to have been acclaimed for the Liberals.
Currently in her second term as East Ferris Mayor, she says she brings over 30 years of experience in the fields of economic development, finance and business strategy.
“Given the Trump government’s threat to our sovereignty, and the unreasonable US tariffs being levied against Canada today, there has never been a more critical moment in Canada’s recent history to step forward and stand up for our country,” Rochefort says. “And there has never been a more important moment in Nipissing-Timiskaming history to strengthen our communities for our families, our economy, and our future.”
The federal Liberal Party will elect its new leader on Sunday.