On Feb. 27, in just over three weeks, voters will go to the polls to pick Ontario’s next government.
With less than a month to spread their message, candidates in Oakville’s two ridings are opening campaign offices and knocking on doors.
But voters may be forgiven for feeling a bit of election déjà vu. Locally, the 2025 ballot will look much like it did for the 2022 election.
As of press time, there are six candidates nominated to run in Oakville’s two ridings. Five of them competed in the last provincial vote.
Here’s what you need to know, as election day approaches.
What riding am I in?
The Oakville riding includes all residents south of Upper Middle Road, as well as residents between Upper Middle and Dundas Street, east of Eighth Line.
The Oakville North – Burlington riding includes all residents living north of Dundas Street, as well as residents living north of Upper Middle Road, west of Eighth Line.
Who are the candidates?
Oakville riding
- Stephen Crawford, Progressive Conservative Party
First elected in 2018, Crawford is seeking his third term as Oakville’s MPP. A former partner in an investment firm, he most recently served as associate minister of mines in Doug Ford’s government.
- Alison Gohel, Liberal Party
Gohel, a legal and tax advisor in the financial industry, is making her second run for the Oakville seat.
The Crawford/Gohel battle is a rematch of 2022. In that campaign, he won 45 per cent of the vote, while she captured 37 per cent.
No other candidates are nominated as of press time, but the Green Party has said it plans to run someone in the riding.
Parties have until Feb. 13 to nominate candidates. A complete list of candidates will be published on the Elections Ontario website after that date.
Oakville North-Burlington riding
- Effie Triantafilopoulos, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
A lawyer who was first elected in 2018, Triantafilopoulos most recently served as parliamentary assistant to the minister of economic development, job creation and trade.
- Kaniz Mouli, Liberal Party of Ontario
A Palermo resident, Mouli is a senior manager in the financial services sector.
- Ali Hosny, Green Party
Hosny, who has a background in marketing, said he is a dedicated advocate for both people and the environment.
- Caleb Smolenaars, NDP
Smolenaars is a labour studies student who has completed co-op internships with NDP MPPs at Queen’s Park. He describes himself as a “progressive organizer.”
Triantafilopoulos, Mouli and Hosny faced off in the 2022 provincial election, earning 47, 35 and 4 per cent of the vote respectively.
Want to work the election?
Apply to work as an election official through the Elections Ontario website. A variety of paid positions are avialable for people 16 and older.
The site also includes information on voting options. Registered voters will be mailed a voter information card with details on when, where and how to vote. You can register or update your information here.
Advance voting details will be available after Feb. 14.
A request can also be made for a home or hospital visit by those who cannot make it to a voting location or require assistance to vote.
