By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
First independent to win since 1995
HALDIMAND — Haldimand-Norfolk voters sent a message to political parties last week, electing independent candidate Bobbi Ann Brady as the region’s new MPP with 35% of the vote. Brady’s election marks the first time the riding has gone with a non-PC candidate in nearly three decades.
The only independent elected in 2022 and the first independent voted in since 1995 provincially, Brady is also the first female independent candidate ever to be elected to the legislature without previously serving as MPP under a party banner.
“It’s a bit surreal,” said Brady on her big win. “It sends a message to not only the PC party, but the three main political parties that you can’t just take people for granted…. You can’t continually be rewarded for bad behaviour. It also sends a message of hope to others who feel this way. If Haldimand-Norfolk can do this, can stand up and be courageous, then everybody else can stand up and be courageous as well.”
Brady’s main campaign rival was Haldimand Mayor Ken Hewitt, campaigning for the PCs. Hewitt was criticized throughout his campaign for not appearing at local debates and for refusing to speak in-depth with the media about his campaign.
“It was a team decision,” said Hewitt on the choice to forego the traditional campaign benchmarks. “The discussions that were had, were that we would be best served to get in front of the people through face-to-face conversations.”
In the days leading up to the election, some critics argued that Brady, as an independent candidate, wouldn’t have a voice at Queen’s Park. Brady disagrees.
“That messaging was fear-mongering from campaigns,” she said. “It was false, because I will have every parliamentary privilege that any other elected MPP has.”
“I will be able to ask questions, to stand up and make statements, to sit on committees,” Brady continued. “I believe I will have a greater chance to stand up and speak in the Ontario legislature, because I won’t have to wait my turn in the party rotation.”
She added that members from all three major parties have reached out and indicated a willingness to work together: “I’m not afraid Haldimand-Norfolk will be shoved under the carpet.”
One election focal point was the proposed development of a major new community in Nanticoke. Hewitt took issue with the matter taking centre stage, noting, “It’s a local planning matter. It really is irrelevant to this provincial election; however … many people will use different issues to try and motivate voters to move in one direction or another. It’s unfortunate.”
He characterized some information presented on the development as misleading, saying, “To suggest that I am not thinking of the benefits for the future of industry or our current residents is an unfair supposition.”
Brady countered that the issue is very much a Provincial one, given the Minister’s Zoning Order required to see it through: “Toby and I had spoken out against the MZO…. I will continue to push that.”
Brady’s predecessor Toby Barrett gave her his full support in the campaign, infamously calling Hewitt his ‘archrival’. We asked both Hewitt and Brady how they might work together, particularly if Hewitt remains mayor following the fall municipal election.
Hewitt said he will “work with the majority government, the party that’s in a position to make the decisions that will benefit Haldimand. My relationship’s with the Ford team, the candidates I got to know and meet, and Ministers I’ve worked with in the past. I’ll continue to build those relationships and work with them.”
When pressed on working with Brady specifically, he said, “I’ve never been in a position to work with an independent with no voice, so I can’t say how that function will be.”
Brady appears more open to a positive working relationship, saying, “Toby was always willing to work with Mayor Hewitt and Haldimand Council, and I’m of the same mindset. If we want to treat each other with respect, and do what’s best for the people of Haldimand-Norfolk, we need to find that way to work together. We’ve always been willing to do that, but it’s got to be a two-way street.”
Both offered praise to the other candidates, with Brady saying, “Kudos to them…. The majority of them worked hard.”
Hewitt added, “When someone puts their neck above the weeds and sticks their head out, and runs publically, it’s always a challenge, but we need people to do that. Last night we had nine individuals trying to represent the County. That says a lot.”
On Barrett, her former boss and mentor, Brady admitted he could have easily gone quietly into retirement, “but he didn’t. He showed up earlier every day and stayed later every night. He hit those doors harder than anybody else on this campaign team.”
She concluded, “This was a fantastic way for him to end his career, doing what he felt was right.”
The 2022 provincial election saw a record-low voter turnout across Ontario, with only 43.03% of eligible voters hitting the polls. Haldimand-Norfolk’s riding saw a slightly better voter turnout at 48.58%.
Below are some responses from the remaining candidates in this year’s election, minus Nate Hawkins, New Blue Party, and Independent candidate George McMorrow, who did not respond to a request for comment.
SARAH LOWE, NDP – “This was a great experience overall. Our team was small but extremely dedicated. I am so lucky to have them in my corner and I am very proud of our campaign. First and foremost, I am a New Democrat and believe I communicated those values and our vision openly and honestly.
I am disappointed with the results, but relieved that Haldimand Norfolk did not elect another big “C” Conservative. This is a great opportunity for the NDP to grow here in H-N over the next four years and we will be ready and competitive in 2026. Independent incumbents are not nearly as formidable.
The MPP elect has had access to endless resources and support as staff in the Conservative Caucus. This will not be the case for the next four years, assuming she remains an Independent MPP. I urge her not to make promises she cannot possibly keep.
Thank you to all of those who supported me and the NDP in Haldimand Norfolk. Despite the results, I am committed to this riding and will see you again in 2026.”
AZIZ CHOUHDERY, LIBERAL – “I want to say thanks to all who showed trust on Ontario Liberal Party and voted for me. It’s an honour to be a candidate in the wonderful riding of Haldimand-Norfolk. I met new people made new friends. Got to know local issues and beautiful farmlands. I am willing to serve peoples and will continue to do so.
However, this time people elected Bobbi Ann Brady. I respect peoples choice and want to congratulate her. I hope she will serve people with dedication.”
THECLA ROSS, FREEDOM PARTY – “It was a very interesting campaign and although we only had a $3,000 budget we managed to increase our support by almost 80%! A great big thank you to all the Freedom Party supporters.
To my opponents in all the other parties, congratulations on your campaigns, your efforts helped keep this province a democracy. It was really too bad that the two new parties couldn’t agree to join us under one umbrella…. I think it would have pleased the electorate and we would have had a seat or two.
I wish Ms. Brady all the best and hope that although her job in the Conservative party caused her to toe the party line in the past, I believe she’ll come out swinging for Haldimand-Norfolk when she gets to Queen’s Park.”
ERIK COVERDALE, GREEN PARTY – “I am not at all surprised about the outcome of the election of Bobbi Ann Brady. She ran a fantastic grassroots campaign and her primary competitor was absent on the campaign trail. From getting to know her and the people of Haldimand-Norfolk I think she is a great embodiment of the riding. I wish her much success with representing us and I hope she forms an alliance at Queen’s Park with GPO leader Mike Schriener.”
SHELDON SIMPSON, ONTARIO PARTY – “It is unfortunate that voter turnout was so low; many are losing hope in our democratic system feeling that it doesn’t represent them.
Congratulations to Bobbi Ann Brady on her win, I have hopes that she will do more to change the legacy of politics that brought us to a time where so many people – candidates and supporters – felt so strongly that the system is broken they felt compelled to put their lives on hold, finances on the line, and stand up for a change.
Running in this election, I was proud to stand with most of the candidates. This was a different election in my eyes. Most candidates were like-minded on many ideas and I appreciated the general lack of insults and slanderous attacks. This was my first time participating in our democratic process as a candidate, I feel that our results were strong. With extremely limited time, we found many capable and passionate people who were invaluable to our campaign and who I am happy to have met and call friends.
Truly, to all those who helped in any capacity, and those who trusted me with their vote, thank you. We have built a strong foundation in only a couple of months. We look forward to building on our momentum, and to continue standing for Freedom, Family, Faith, Fiscal Responsibility, and to return accountability to our politics. Together, we are stronger. Thank you again for all your support.”
