Cheryl Gallant MP retains the Conservative Party of Canada nomination

BARRY’S BAY  Over the weekend, there were three nomination meetings held by the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) to decide who would have the privilege of carrying it’s banner in the next federal election, in the riding of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.

Incumbent Cheryl Gallant MP was challenged by Mike Coates for the nomination. Gallant was first elected for the Canadian Alliance Party when she defeated Liberal Party Hec Clouthier in October 2000.

Mike Coates has been a long time conservative party insider at the national level and has had a successful career in business.

The nomination process began in late December, when Coates submitted his nomination papers to the central party.

Since then, both candidates have been busy selling party memberships and persuading members to vote for them.

Late on Saturday afternoon, conservatives gathered in Barry’s Bay at the Opeongo Seniors’ Centre to listen to the candidates and to mark their ballots.

The room was full before the time the candidates were scheduled to make speeches at 3:30 p.m..

Candidates speeches started earlier than scheduled.

For more pick up a copy of the February 28, paper.