Election marks start of new era in Sudbury

A veteran of several municipal elections, NDP Sudbury candidate Joe Cimino says campaigning to represent an entire riding has been a different challenge.

“In a provincial election, there's so much more geography to cover, right?” Cimino said this week. “Yesterday, I was out from 10:30 a.m. until 9, and today I started canvassing again at 10:30 … (But) I get real energy from going door-to-door.”

The frontrunner in the NDP's effort to wrest Sudbury from the Liberals for the first time since 1995, Cimino said he's proud of the way he and his team have conducted themselves in the short provincial campaign, which ends tonight when the polls close at 9 p.m. He's confident, but is taking nothing for granted.

“I've got butterflies in my stomach,” he said. “I've taken a leave from my work and from council, and I've got so many people working with me and volunteering. It's a lot of pressure, but I'm up for it.”

Liberal hopeful Andrew Olivier says the campaign has been intense and exhausting, but he has loved it.

“It's been a great run,” he said. “I've really enjoyed it. I've had a fantastic time doing it, and it's just been a wonderful experience.

“On Thursday? Who knows what will happen? I'm getting a haircut and a shave. I know that for certain.”

With New Democrat France Gélinas expected to win easily again in Nickel Belt, the closest race in the area has been between Cimino and Olivier. Progressive Conservative hopeful Paula Peroni has run a strong campaign, but her party has had trouble gaining support in the North. In fact, Leader Tim Hudak is the only party leader who didn't campaign here.

Whoever wins June 12 will take over a seat left vacant with the retirement of longtime cabinet minister Rick Bartolucci, who announced his retirement last year.

Polls are open today until 9 p.m. If you're not sure where you're polling station is located, you can find out by entering your address at wemakevotingeasy.ca, or by calling 1-866-566-9066.

Northern Life will have extensive election-night coverage with up-to-the-minute results on our webpage, Facebook (facebook.com/northernlife.ca) and Twitter (@northern_life).