Wellington-Halton Hills Open Seat Creates Uncertainty as Veteran MPP Steps Down
Cambridge, Kitchener Centre, and Wellington-Halton Hills Among the Most Competitive Races
With Ontario’s 2025 provincial election officially called, candidates and parties in the Waterloo region are moving quickly to finalize their nominations. While most ridings are still firming up their candidates, the competition is expected to be intense in key local districts, including Cambridge, Kitchener Centre, and Wellington-Halton Hills.
Under the Elections Act, candidates have until February 13 to submit their paperwork for nomination. Former provincial cabinet minister John Milloy noted that snap elections create significant challenges for parties, particularly in recruiting and vetting candidates on short notice.
“The idea of going out and finding a candidate literally in a few days … is just overwhelming,” Milloy told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s The Morning Edition. He added that properly vetting candidates—particularly reviewing their social media history—adds another layer of difficulty.
Cambridge
The Cambridge riding already has four confirmed candidates, each bringing prior political experience:
- Brian Riddell (Progressive Conservative – Incumbent): Won in 2022, defeating former MPP Belinda Karahalios.
- Rob Deutschmann (Liberal): A former North Dumfries mayor and recent regional councillor.
- Marjorie Knight (NDP): A returning candidate who previously ran in the 2018 and 2022 elections.
- Carla Johnson (Green Party): Currently a Waterloo Region District School Board trustee, previously ran in 2022.
Kitchener Centre
This riding remains highly competitive, with multiple experienced candidates looking to unseat the Green incumbent:
- Aislinn Clancy (Green – Incumbent): Former Kitchener city councillor who won the 2023 byelection.
- Colleen James (Liberal): A regional councillor, taking a leave of absence during the campaign.
- Brooklin Wallis (NDP): Previously ran in Kitchener’s 2022 municipal election.
- Progressive Conservatives: Yet to nominate a candidate.
Kitchener Centre has historically swung between different parties, making this an unpredictable race.
Wellington-Halton Hills
This riding becomes a battleground as long-time MPP Ted Arnott, who has held the seat since 1990, will not seek re-election. Arnott, who has most recently served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, stated he and his family decided it was time to pass the torch to new leadership.
“It’s my expectation and hope that strong candidates will consider running and the best person will emerge and be successful,” Arnott stated in an interview.
Ontarians will head to the polls on February 27, 2025. With competitive races shaping up and some candidates yet to be named, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the political landscape in Waterloo region and beyond.