Nipissing-Timiskaming Conservative candidate Cassidy Villeneuve has resigned, leaving the local party without a candidate on the eve of an expected federal election.
Villeneuve released the news on Facebook Sunday night.
She blames her own local Conservative executive for her decision, "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."
See: Local federal conservatives poised to dump their candidate if performance doesn't improve
Last month, a document obtained by BayToday revealed the discontent of the local Conservative Association in her performance as their candidate.
It showed the Nipissing Timiskaming Conservative Association was seriously considering replacing Villeneuve because it was unhappy with her lack of "accountability and performance."
Villeneuve was nominated a year ago in February 2024 and told supporters at the time "I'm so ready to put in the work ... I know together, we will bring it home."
It hasn't turned out that way.
"I am stepping down with my head high, knowing that I fought for greater transparency and accountability," she states. "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."