Norm Miller steps down as Parry Sound Muskoka MPP. Bracebridge mayor new candidate

A changing of the guard in the riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka as MPP Norman Miller is calling it quits after two decades.

"It has been my honour to represent the residents of Parry Sound-Muskoka for the past 20 years," Miller said in a statement. "While those years have been rewarding, I have been considering what I want to do for the next few years. I look forward to spending more time with my family so I am announcing that I will not seek re-election in the 2022 Ontario general election."

Miller will continue as MPP until the election next spring.

Meanwhile, the Ontario PC Party has announced longtime Bracebridge mayor Graydon Smith as its candidate in the riding to replace Miller.

"It's with great excitement that I share the following news with you," said Smith via Twitter. "I am the candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario in the upcoming Provincial election in June, 2022 for the riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka. Until then, I will continue to serve as Mayor and District Councillor with the same passion and hard work that I have always put into the position for the past 11 years."

The announcement by the party that Smith is the new candidate is raising eyebrows in the riding as no nomination meeting was held to give others a chance to run for the party.

One person, Jib Turner, replied to Smith's tweet, "The bylaws of this party need some serious consideration. I've lost count as to how many have been appointed without a nomination process. Local riding associations will be a thing of the past in northern Ontario. The Party expects them to work hard and then they have no say in the choice for candidate."

After more than 20 years as the MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, I have announced today that I won’t be seeking re-election in the 2022 general election. Thank you to the residents of Parry Sound-Muskoka for the trust you have placed in me..
Read more here: https://t.co/FuXUjiVeDW pic.twitter.com/B9MlRUdAnF

— Norm Miller (@normmillerpc) November 2, 2021

Hi all. It's with great excitement that I share the following news with you, I am the candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario in the upcoming Provincial election in June, 2022 for the riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka.

— Mayor Graydon Smith (@GraydonTheMayor) November 3, 2021