Parties line up candidates as federal byelections approach

OTTAWA — A pastor and longtime Conservative is running as an Independent candidate in an upcoming federal byelection in Ontario after the party chose to bypass a local nomination contest and appoint Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis as its candidate.

Dave Carroll’s decision to run independently adds intrigue to the Brantford-Brant byelection as it could draw votes from the Conservatives, who were already expected to face a tough challenge from the Liberals.

It is one of six ridings up for grabs in Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan after the departure of several MPs, including Conservative Larry Brock, who represented the Brantford area for almost five years.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has not yet called any of the byelections but is expected to do so shortly.