Windsor West: one of 10 ridings to watch in the provincial election

CTV News has chosen Windsor West as one of 10 ridings to watch in Ontario, where the results may come down to the wire or have broader implications.

The seat is currently held for the NDP by Lisa Gretzky, a riding she’s held since 2014.

Gretzky turned the riding orange after it was a Liberal stronghold for nearly 15 years, primarily by Sandra Pupatello.

In the June 2022 election, voter turnout was just 32 per cent and Gretzky won the riding with a little more than 42 per cent of the vote.

Here’s who’s running in Windsor-West on February 27:

Mark Dewdney (None of the Above Party)

According to his website, Dewdney was homeless as a youth, but turned his life around to become a “first responder”.

He is motivated to run for politics in an effort to have the parties work together instead of fighting each other.

His campaign highlights include forcing new doctors and nurses to be in the armed forces and creating a mechanism for ‘firing’ politicians who aren’t doing their job.

Tony Francis (Ontario Progressive Conservative Party)

Francis has an MBA and degree in engineering.

He’s worked in the business community a has “passion for business and community”, according to a party website.

Francis wants to focus on the economy, protecting jobs from the impact of American tariffs and will work to move the new acute care hospital forward.

Matthew Giancola (Ontario Party)

Giancola has 18 years of experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors as a director, manager, and operations supervisor, according to his website.

He is campaigning against soaring energy costs, the impact of tariffs and high taxes.

Giancola would like to focus on reducing substance abuse, crime and homelessness in Ontario.

Lisa Gretzky (New Democratic Party)

Gretzky is running for her fourth term in the legislature having already served as opposition critic for mental health, poverty and homelessness.

She wants to continue fighting for improvements to healthcare and education, find protections for workers from tariffs and food affordability

Joshua Griffin (New Blue Party)

Griffin has been a minister and independent pastor for nearly two decades, according to his website.

“He believes in the power of collaboration and innovative problem-solving, skills honed through his diverse experiences in various roles,” the website reads.

Nick Kolasky (Green Party)

Kolasky is experienced in manufacturing and business growth, according to his website.

He was recently involved in the battle to save the tunnel bus from cuts by Windsor City Hall.

Kolasky wants to focus on a sustainable future, prioritizing people, the environment, and a resilient economy.”

There is no Liberal candidate for Windsor-West.

With files from CTV News.ca.