North-side candidates drumming up last-minute support

Getting out the vote will make the difference in Thunder Bay-Superior North, candidates running for the provincial riding say.

Campaign offices for the three major parties were a flurry of activity Wednesday afternoon as volunteers were making calls trying to drum up last-minute support for candidates.

Progressive Conservative candidate Anthony LeBlanc said from door-knocking to internal polling, the riding is far from decided.

“It’s a true three way race from all the numbers that we’ve seen…all three of us are in the thick of this,” LeBlanc said.

LeBlanc said his team is confident about the PCs chances Thursday despite poor showings in the past from the party in Thunder Bay-Superior North.

“Quite frankly there’s a fair amount of relief that we’re really a strong par t of this campaign and it will actually come down to voting day,” he said.

Liberal Michael Gravelle said regardless of what polls show, he is always nervous before election day.

“I have always operated on the basis that you’re running from behind,” Gravelle said.

The Thunder Bay-Superior north Liberal campaign has done a good job of getting the party’s message out there Gravelle said, and he feels great about his chances. The key is to work hard and get supporters to the polls now.

“I just continue to work as hard as I can,” Gravelle said.

No matter what happens Thursday, the NDP’s Steve Mantis said he’s enjoyed meeting people and learning more about Thunder Bay-Superior North.

“Really I can’t wait to get past the election and hopefully be your member of provincial parliament and start working on the issues that people are telling me are of key importance,” Mantis said.

Like Gravelle and LeBlanc, Mantis said he doesn’t pay too much attention on the polling numbers. Instead he’s taking it day-to-day until the ballots are cast. But in speaking to people, Mantis said he likes his chances.

“It’s either people in our riding are really nice or I’m getting a lot of support,” Manits said smiling. “I’m not sure which either one I’m happy with.”

The Green Party’s Scot Kyle predicts there will be a Liberal minority in Ontario come Friday. For Scot, he’s just glad he was able to get the party’s message out there.

“I’m feeling a groundswell of grassroots people who are kind of getting our message a little bit more,” Scot said.