ABOVE THE FOLD
CONVENTION CRASHERS — Federal Grits will descend on the capital this weekend for their annual convention — and wannabe provincial leaders are in tow.
That includes MP NATE ERSKINE-SMITH, who will be hosting a hospitality suite Friday night at the Westin. He’ll also speak on a panel about gun control.
Could it be the campaign launch? With the December 2 date set for the leadership contest, Erskine-Smith seems poised to make his bid official.
Insiders are speculating that will happen on May 9, as Erskine-Smith is hosting a mysterious “campaign event” at Variety Village in Scarborough, where the Beaches—East York MP hasn’t ruled out a run to replace outgoing MPP MITZIE HUNTER (Scarborough—Guildwood) in the looming byelection.
Guest list: Wannabe leader and MPP ADIL SHAMJI is also hosting a hospitality suite tonight at Joy on Sussex. His benchmate TED HSU and MP YASIR NAQVI are also expected to glad-hand around the convention.
Bonnie buzz: Meanwhile, Global News i…