Broadbent backs Shawbonquit in Sudbury byelection

Former federal NDP Leader Ed Broadbent is endorsing Suzanne Shawbonquit in Sudbury's byelection Feb. 5.

Broadbent, who was leader from 1975-1984, said in a release his endorsement was based on integrity.

“Over a lifetime of public life, I’ve learned that integrity can’t be bought and it can’t be sold,” he said. “A person has it or a person doesn’t. That’s why I’m supporting Suzanne Shawbonquit.

“Suzanne has put her name on the ballot for all the right reasons. She has integrity and she has grit. She understands that politics must always be about serving the community. She knows that Sudbury families need a representative who will work hard to protect and create good paying jobs, who will fight cuts to health care and vital public services, and who will stand up for better care for our children and our elders.”

Broadbent's endorsement comes less than a week after former Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien backed Glenn Thibeault in the race to replace Joe Cimino, the NDP MPP who resigned in November.

Broadbent said his life in politics has made him a good judge of character, and Shawbonquit is “the genuine article.

“She will be a strong, principled voice for the people of Sudbury at Queen’s Park. Suzanne has my full support, and I hope she has yours. On this Feb. 5, elect the progressive choice for Sudbury. Elect a real New Democrat. Elect Suzanne Shawbonquit."

Broadbent's endorsement comes on the same day that the first estimates of advance polling numbers were released. About 4,383 Sudburians have already cast ballots, compared to the 4,021 voters who did so before the June election, according to Elections Ontario.

“Eligible voters can still vote in advance of election day by special ballot or by using Assistive Voting Technology at the local returning office until 6 p.m. on Feb. 4,” the release said.

On voting day Feb. 5, there will be about 655 election workers at 88 voting locations across the electoral district. Anyone unsure about where and when they can vote, can visit the Elections Ontario website at wemakevotingeasy.ca or by calling 1-866-566-3877 (TTY: 1-888-292-2312).