SCOOP: Campaigns go virtual

Plus: Mitas out, new rules for housing, pot, gas and condos, OPSEU inks a deal, and politicos pour one out for their beloved BBs

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First in Queen’s Park Observer — CAMPAIGNS GO VIRTUAL — Less than five months out from Election Day, Omicron has thrown a wrench in the political parties’ campaign strategies. Forget door-knocking — the three main parties say voter contact is going virtual as Ontario rolls back to modified Step Two restrictions.

According to a memo the Liberals’ manager of field organization MIKE CAVANAUGH sent to 2022 candidates — obtained by Queen’s Park Observer — all interactions with voters will now be done over the phone.

“It is critical that we listen to the concerns of Ontarians as we undergo these challenging times,” Cavanaugh wrote, adding that that should be part of the script when speaking with potential supporters.

“In Liberalist [the party’s supporter contact database], you will find a January 2022 Calling Script where we will be asking volunteers to check in with voters as we have done at other points during the pandemic.”

“We know that phone calling isn’t the same as be…