Although the legislature has adjourned until September, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) are kept busy during the summer months. When they are not in the legislature, MPPs spend time in their home ridings, listening to and helping their constituents. In addition to hearings and committee meetings, there are also two yet to be called by-elections happening this summer – these by-elections may even be in your riding!
There are 107 ridings in Ontario, each represented by an MPP at the legislature. While MPPs are normally at Queen’s Park in the fall, winter and spring, they spend time in their home ridings during the summer months. Typically, in the summer, MPPs can be found working from their constituency office(s) or attending local events. An MPP will also put on their own events, many of which are open to the public.
By-elections:
By-elections are typically seen as a good measure of public sentiment and popularity of the incumbent government. They are also a good opportunity for REALTOR® involvement in the political process, whether it is learning about a candidate’s vision or volunteering on their campaign. Opportunities are also available to watch and engage in candidate debates by asking candidates about topics that impact Ontario REALTORS® and real estate.
Two ridings, Scarborough-Rouge River and Ottawa-Vanier, will need to elect new provincial representatives as previous MPPs, Bas Balkisson and Madelaine Meilleur, have resigned. Although neither by-election has been called yet, it is expected for them to be called sometime over the next couple of months.
Stay tuned to OREA’s GR blog for more updates on these two by-elections and the candidates.
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