Candidate count: Grits MIA, anti-abortion PCs

Plus: "Peek-a-boo" Ford, Lecce fallout, Green platform incoming, illegal fundraising, Grits $5-billion hole, licence plate woes, everyone's favourite stretch goal, pressing the bovine flesh

ABOVE THE FOLD

CANDIDATE TRACKER — Time is ticking for wannabe candidates to secure their spot on the 2022 election ticket. Elections Ontario’s deadline for nominations is 2 p.m. today.

For the Grits, it’s a scramble. They still need to lock in contenders in at least six ridings: Haldimand—Norfolk, Kenora—Rainy River, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, Parry Sound—Muskoka, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.

Controversy abounds: In PC-stronghold Parry Sound—Muskoka, the Liberals were forced to turf their candidate, teacher BARRY STANLEY, after it was unearthed that he had self-published a book about his baseless theory that homosexuality is caused by babies “rebreathing” their own air.

The drama prompted shade from PC operatives, who suggested the Grits have a weak vetting process, as the book is easily searchable on Google.

It’s the second time the party has fired one of their contenders this week. Over in Sault Ste. Marie, also PC territory, they mysteriously removed a high schooler who was acclaim…