Atlantic Canadian Politics Thread

[sailor734]

Received this today.....Wonder who the candidate of "national interest" is that the federal conservatives are planning to parachute into Saint John?

23 July 2024

Dear Saint John Kennebecasis Riding Member:
Thank you for supporting my candidacy in the nomination race for our riding. I am honored.
I began this journey with a series of interviews, both locally and in Ottawa, with the
Conservative Party to ensure that my candidacy would be legitimate and that no favored
candidates were waiting in the wings. Given my experience as a physician, medical leader, and
small business owner, I was encouraged to run.
Francine and my team have done an amazing job. If the race were held now, we would win the
nomination. In just a few weeks, we made Ottawa take notice. Thank you to all those who got
involved.
The National Conservative party has now indicated they have a different nominee of “national
interest” whom they prefer and will now be running as the nominee in this riding. Although this
person lives in Ontario, they have past roots in our province. Despite my protest to the upper
levels of the party, it has been made clear that my path to the nomination has ended. The rules
of the party and recent examples in other ridings indicate that a parachute candidate will win a
nomination. The Party has avenues to support or supplant their candidate of choice. “There is
no path forward”.
Democracy is complicated. I am trying to see the bigger picture. I entered this race to be an
experienced, respected voice within the party. The party now feels they have found a better
candidate that will be the nominee. I disagree. But I also don’t want a protracted nomination
controversy to put Saint John Kennebecasis at risk of losing the election and not being inside
the new government.
16 months is a very long time in politics. If there is one, the nomination vote is not expected to
be anytime soon. Circumstances may change. For the time being I will be suspending my bid for
the nomination. We will not be actively campaigning but will wait to see what unfolds.
I am very sorry to bring you this news,
Thank you again for your support.
Most Sincerely,
Jeff Steeves