THUNDER BAY – Jay Stapleton has withdrawn from the nomination race to become the New Democratic Party candidate for the 2019 federal election.
Stapleton’s decision means that Anna-Betty Achneepineskum, the former Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief will be the NDP candidate.
Stapleton posted this message on his Facebook page regarding his decision:
I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for the NDP nomination. I will be fully supporting Anna-Betty’s campaign, and I believe that she is the ideal candidate for our region.
Dipping my toes into Federal politics has been stressful. Putting myself up there stirred up rumours and vitriol which have no basis in reality, but which I don’t have the energy or resources to deal with.
So ends my brief experience as a public person. I will find other ways to work for my community.
The Liberal candidate will be incumbent MP and cabinet minister Patty Hajdu. The Conservatives are planning an announcement later this week.
