Conservative candidate’s health forces resignation

Citing health issues, the federal Conservative candidate for Thunder Bay – Superior North announced he will be stepping down.

In a letter sent to his campaign team and media Thursday, Mike Auld apologetically revealed he would not be able to represent the Conservatives party as a candidate in the next federal election.

"As you know, my ongoing health problems have prevented me from effectively campaigning for the past six months," Auld wrote in his letter. "It appears that my problems are not over yet. Thunder Bay – Superior North and the dedicated campaign team deserves a candidate who can work full time to win this riding."

Auld also thanked supporters and members of his campaign team in his letter. The nature of his illness has not been made public.

While there’s no immediate threat of a federal election, the resignation leaves the Conservatives without a candidate for the Superior North riding.

Auld defeated former fellow Conservative nominee hopeful Richard Harvey to become the candidate in July, 2009. Auld won the nomination via coin toss after 110 ballots counted revealed both nominees were locked in a tie.

With Auld now stepping down, John Henderson, a spokesperson for Auld’s family, said he isn’t sure how the party will fill the vacancy.

"To our knowledge the riding association has notified Ottawa and the party itself will give direction as to when a nomination meeting will be held," Henderson said.