Federal Liberal MPs to meet in Sudbury

Liberal MPs and senators will paint the town red at the end of August when they arrive for their three-day annual national Liberal caucus meeting.

The Liberal caucus of 71 MPs and senators, along with staff and spouses will be headquartered at the Holiday Inn on Regent St. from Aug. 31 to Wednesday, Sept. 2.

A $550-plate fundraising dinner for 500 will be held on the Monday evening at the Caruso Club. The event will provide an opportunity to meet and greet party leader Michael Ignatieff. Money raised at this event will be split between the Liberal Party of Canada and the Ontario Liberal Party.

A free public rally at the Caruso Club is planned for Tuesday evening.

Riding insiders expect the Liberal candidate for Sudbury riding will be chosen before the end of August so he or she can get exposure at the Liberal meeting.

Sudbury and Nickel Belt have been represented by Liberal MPs over the years, but since the last federal election are represented by New Democrats. Anthony Rota, who represents Nipissing-Timiskaming, is the only Liberal MP in northern Ontario.