Libertarian candidate withdraws from federal election – Brantford Expositor

Libertarian candidate Rob Ferguson has withdrawn as a candidate in Brantford-Brant in the Oct. 21 federal election. SubmittedSunMedia

Libertarian Rob Ferguson is withdrawing as a candidate in Brantford-Brant for the Oct. 21 federal election.

Ferguson, 44, cited health reasons in announcing his withdrawal Tuesday.

I have to put my health first, he said. I had a massive heart attack after the last federal election (in 2015) and recently I was starting to feel fatigued and seeing some of the signs of ill health.

I spoke with my family and my physician and we all agreed that its probably best that we sit this one out.

He said running for office is stressful because candidates must knock on a lot of doors, attend all-candidates meetings and be prepared for questions from voters.

Im thankful for the support I have had over the years from the public groups and the inclusion of Libertarians here in Brant surpasses any riding across the county, said Ferguson said. Once my health is better I plan to return to fight for the cause.

The riding of Brantford-Brant has been good to me as a candidate.

The Brantford resident received 515 votes in the 2015 federal election. He has also run municipally and provincially and has served as interim leader and deputy leader for the Ontario Libertarian Party.

That leaves six candidates seeking to challenge Conservative Phil McColeman, who is running for a fourth team. They are Bob Jonkman of the Green Party, Sabrina Sawyer, of the NDP, Liberal Danielle Takacs, Dave Wrobel, of the Peoples Party of Canada, independent Leslie Bory and perennial candidate John Turmel.

But, as of Tuesday afternoon, only three McColeman, Jonkman and Bory had officially registered with Elections Canada. Candidates have until Sept. 30 to register.

Voters will get several chances to hear from the candidates.

On Sept. 30, the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, in partnership with Rogers Community Television, is hosting a televised debate from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The debate will be rebroadcast leading up to voting day.

On Oct. 9, the Womens Institute and Brant County Federation of Agriculture are hosting a meeting at 7 p.m. at Bethel Community Hall, 154 Bethel Rd., Paris.

And, on Oct. 15, the Canadian Federation of University WomenBrantford, with support of the Retired Teachers of Ontario BrantDistrict 40, is hosting a meeting in the mini-theatre of North Park Collegiate, 280 North Park St. Entry to the school is through the door at the north side of building in the student parking lot and drop-off area.

Advance voting is scheduled for Oct. 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The Elections Canada office for Brantford-Brant is at 225 Henry St., Suite 1. It is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

The office can be reached toll free at 1-866 238-4181. The fax number is 1-888-263-3181.

Voter registration cards were to be mailed out this week.

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Libertarian candidate withdraws from federal election - Brantford Expositor