THUNDER BAY – Former MP John Rafferty has withdrawn as the NDP candidate in Thunder Bay-Atikokan, citing treatment for a recently diagnosed serious medical condition.
Rafferty, 64, served as the NDP representative in the House of Commons between 2008 and 2015, when he was defeated by Liberal Don Rusnak.
He had also run twice previously at the provincial level, finishing a distant second to Liberal Bill Mauro in 2003, but closed the gap to just 36 votes in 2007.
In a statement released by the provincial NDP, Rafferty thanked the people of Thunder Bay for their support and understanding.
A new nomination process will take place, with details expected to be released at a later date.
