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Peace goes from possible Ontario PC candidate to joining Scott campaign

Robert Peace ran for mayor in 2022 and last month said he was considering candidacy in Sault Ste. Marie under the Ontario PC banner
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Mayoral Candidate Robert Peace speaks during Wednesday night's forum at the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre

Last week's announcement that a former staff member from Doug Ford's office had been selected to run as the local Ontario PC candidate came as a surprise to one candidate hopeful, who has since joined Team Scott.

On Jan. 24 Robert Peace made public his intention at the time to consider running as a candidate for the local Ontario PC party, which had been left vacant after Sault MPP Ross Romano stated his intention not to run in the upcoming provincial election.

"I admit I’m not your stereotypical Progressive Conservative," said Peace in his press release.

"I lean on the progressive side, but I'm inspired to be part of the fight to defend Ontario against what might be a tough battle with the new reality in the U.S. We also need strong representation here in the Sault if we want any hope of tackling our health care, education and economic issues."

Peace was unaware at the time that arrangements were being made for party insider Chris Scott to be handed the baton to run in the Sault Ste. Marie riding. Scott had spent time working in Ford's office, as well as years working in Romano's office.

"After being told nobody was persuing the spot and announcing an interest, I learned two days later that all had been decided ages ago and that no local nomination process would take place," said Peace in an email exchange with SooToday.

"I met Ross Romano and Chris and have now joined the campaign to support Chris Scott and look forward to him becoming the next MPP for Sault Ste Marie," he added.

Peace said his political journey began with the Ontario PC party 40 years ago as an executive assistant under Premier Bill Davis.

Later he worked with Education Minister Larry Grossman, serving as a policy advisor and question period strategist during Grossman's time as Leader of the Opposition. I continued in that role under Interim Leader Andy Brandt and concluded my time at Queen's Park working alongside Environment Critic Margaret Marland.

Since he moved to the Sault five years ago, Peace has become deeply involved in the community, including leading Helping Hands Sault Ste. Marie as president, working with local First Nations communities and running for mayor in 2022.

"Sault Ste. Marie has become the best hometown I've ever had. Since arriving here in 2020 with Rolling Pictures, I’ve lobbied to grow the film industry, fought to improve health services, promoted the arts, played a major role in leading the process of the Robinson Huron Treaty distribution locally, and dedicated countless hours to making life better for working-class people, newcomers and those less fortunate," Peace said.

"My focus has always been on practical, community-driven solutions that make a real difference. Whether it’s advocating for better health care, championing economic development, or fostering a sense of community through volunteer initiatives, I believe in getting things done and not just talking about them," he added.

Scott, 34, was announced as the Ontario PC candidate for the Sault Ste. Marie riding on Jan. 28. The provincial election will be held on Feb. 27.



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