And we're back!

A pared-down PC bench, protesters cut from in-House cameos, legislative hints

ABOVE THE FOLD

WELCOME BACK — Happy first sitting day of the pre-election session. Here’s what’s going down.

The PCs are kicking off the second session of the 42nd Parliament with a slimmer bench. A trio of Tories say they won’t be seeking re-election in June: Associate Children and Women’s Issues Minister JANE MCKENNA (Burlington), Deputy Speaker BILL WALKER (Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound) and MPP DARYL KRAMP (Hastings—Lennox and Addington).

McKenna is throwing her hat in the municipal ring and will be running for Halton Regional Chair come October. Kramp cited “health and family reasons” for moving on. Walker, who also voiced support for Premier DOUG FORD, says he’s stepping back with “mixed emotions.”

— The replacements: The PCs have already appointed two candidate replacements for their long-held ridings — veteran Tory activist RICK BYERS will run in Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound and Mayor of Loyalist Township Council RIC BRESEE will carry the banner in Hastings—Lennox and Addington. A contender …