Seven people vying for MP Bev Shipley’s job are set to be in Dresden on Thursday evening, November 22.
The all-candidates event, for those running for the Federal Progressive Conservative nomination in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, is being held at The Old Czech Hall at 116 St. John St. E. in Dresden.
Peter Cuddy, Bruce Lamb, Mattheu Kok, Pete Aarssen, Lianne Rood, Kevin Mitchell and Greg Hetherington are all set to be in attendance.
Joe Grootenboer, owner of River Bell Market Garden, will be the moderator.
Doors will open for the event at 6:30 p.m.
People will have the opportunity to meet the candidates over coffee, apple cider and baked goods at 6:30 p.m.
The candidates will provide some opening remarks (three minutes each) starting at 7 p.m.
At 7:30 p.m., a question and answer period will begin.
At 8:30 p.m., people will have the opportunity to chat individually with the candidates before the evening wraps up at 8:45 p.m.
The event is open to the public.
Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, announced at his community summer barbecue in Poplar Hill back in July that he will not be running in the next federal election.
“It’s been the greatest honour representing the people of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, and I am truly grateful for their support over the past years that I have been their MP,” Shipley said in a media release.
Shipley was first elected in January 2006 and served his constituents through the 39th, 40th, 41st, and the current 42nd Parliament.
“The years have gone by quickly,” Shipley stated.
“And I am proud of the Conservative record of fiscal management, lower taxes and support for families, seniors, our armed forces and veterans, small business and agriculture. I’ve had two Private Member’s Motions pass in the House of Commons, both of which have brought positive influence on government decisions.”
His parliamentary duties over the years include membership on many committees as well as chairing the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food from October 2013 until dissolution of Parliament in 2015.
“There is still a lot of work to do between now and when the next election is called (currently scheduled for October 2019),” Shipley said.
“We have an intelligent, genuine Leader in Andrew Scheer and a strong team of Conservative Members who are listening and working hard for Canadians. Conservatives will always put Canada first.”
Shipley added: “Nearly 13 years ago, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex chose me to speak for them in Parliament. That’s a trust I have upheld and one which will be passed on to another in the next election. I again thank my constituents for that trust and look forward to what the future will bring.”
A nomination day for the Lambton-Kent-Middlesex candidates has yet to be confirmed.
However, sources say it will not take place until March of 2019.
