In discussing the resignation of Nipissing—Timiskaming Conservative candidate Cassidy Villeneuve, Liberal candidate Pauline Rochefort expressed her disappointment in the circumstances of her would-be rival's departure from the impending race for MP.
See related: Villeneuve resigns as local Conservative candidate
"I have the highest degree of respect for people that put their name forward," said Rochefort. "I know it's not an easy decision, having been there myself, and obviously, I'm disappointed for Ms. Villeneuve that she had to come to that conclusion."
Rochefort's comments came the morning after Villeneuve stepped down from the role she won over one year ago after a local party members' vote made her the Conservative candidate in the riding.
VIDEO: Villeneuve plans to 'turn Nipissing—Timiskaming blue'
In her resignation letter, Villeneuve stated, "As a woman, the challenges working in politics are often magnified. The pushback I've received from certain members of the board has made it clear how difficult it can be to navigate these spaces."
Villeneuve's decision came after weeks of internal battles with the local board and leaves the local party without a candidate on the eve of an expected federal election. Leaked documents showed the Nipissing Timiskaming Conservative Association had been seriously considering replacing Villeneuve because it was unhappy with her lack of "accountability and performance."
Perhaps alluding to doubts about her residency in the riding, Villeneuve signed her letter "Proud resident of East Ferris."
See: Local federal conservatives poised to dump their candidate if performance doesn't improve
"I am stepping down with my head high, knowing that I fought for greater transparency and accountability," Villeneuve stated in a letter posted to social media. "While this is not the end of the journey I had hoped for, I believe it is the right one for me and my family."
"I was disappointed for her, definitely," Rochefort told BayToday. "I think that would be the fair statement, disappointed for her that she faced those issues as she describes them and that she had to come to that conclusion."
See also: NDP chooses Valerie Kennedy to run in Nipissing—Timiskaming
Rochefort's remaining major party competitor is Englehart's Valerie Kennedy, who won a contested race and was recently announced as the NDP's candidate.
"I’m disappointed to hear that Cassidy Villeneuve says she has experienced unfair or discriminatory treatment by the Conservative Party, which does not reflect Canadian values," Kennedy stated in correspondence with BayToday. "Sadly, this is a part of a pattern from Pierre Poilievre — who called off an investigation into how an extremist woman-hating YouTube tag was used by his campaign, who was endorsed by Elon Musk, and who seems hell-bent on making Canada more American.
"I'm proud to be part of the NDP, which is committed to respecting and uplifting regular people, including women. Those values aren’t just NDP values — they’re Canadian values."
Villeneuve's announcement came on the same day Mark Carney swept to power as the new Liberal Party leader and prime minister-designate.
See: Mark Carney wins race to replace Justin Trudeau
Rochefort had previously expressed her support of Carney in the leadership race and was pleased to see the results.
“Mark is a strong leader who brings to Canada solid financial judgment, shrewd international negotiation skills, and a passionate commitment to individual Canadians and our sovereignty,” said Rochefort in offering her congratulations.
See also: Rochefort acclaimed as federal Liberal candidate
Asked if Villeneuve's departure from the race and eventual replacement with an as yet unknown candidate would change the Rochefort campaign's approach, the candidate said it would not; her team is solely focused on a Liberal victory in the riding.
Kennedy added, "In the upcoming election, the people of Nipissing-Timiskaming will have a choice: the Conservatives that will cut services families in our communities rely on, or an NDP government that will lower costs, fix health care for Northerners and fight for Canada and Canadian values."