Drama in Don Valley West

Plus: Watchdog warns lobbyists ahead of campaign, Ford won't scrutinize medical exemptions, and looser Thanksgiving rules

ABOVE THE FOLD

Premier DOUG FORD didn’t bite when pressed to scrutinize medical exemptions for his two unvaccinated MPPs — but first, political circles are buzzing about a nomination in Don Valley West. And it’s not the candidate you’re thinking of.

The NDP may have scored a star candidate in the riding outgoing Liberal MPP KATHLEEN WYNNE has breezily held since 2003 — but it’s the low-key opponent in the Liberal stronghold who’s garnering lots of attention.

IRWIN ELMAN — who was the province’s independent child and youth advocate until the PCs axed the position — will fly the Orange banner in 2022 and face off against STEPHANIE BOWMAN for the Liberals.

Who is Bowman? “Good question,” said one Grit insider, suggesting the financial services executive is low-profile, politically-speaking. Bowman currently sits on the board of directors for Empire Life insurance company and will be acclaimed the candidate on October 13.

“This is political malpractice,” another Liberal operative contende…