Scugog Councillor Robert Rock to run for Conservative nomination in Durham Riding
Published May 17, 2023 at 10:03 am
A Scugog Township councillor with a background in the financial sector and as a mediator has thrown his hat in the ring for the Conservative Party nomination in Durham Riding.
Robert Rock, who was appointed Ward 3 councillor in August of 2021 to replace Angus Ross, who had moved out of the area, and was acclaimed 14 months later in the 2022 municipal election, believes he is the right person to replace current MP and former party leader Erin O’Toole.
O’Toole announced in March he would be stepping down after the spring session of Parliament.
“I decided to run when Erin stepped down because I think this riding deserves representation from the community. Someone who lives here, works here, and volunteers here,” Rock said. “I also think my professional experience in the financial industry and my background as a mediator and arbitrator give me the skills necessary to succeed. In addition, my experience at Scugog Council helps me understand the importance of listening to residents and advocating on their behalf.”
Former federal Conservative leader and current Durham Riding MP Erin O’Toole
Rock, who describes himself as a “fiscal conservative,” is confident Durham Riding residents will “come out to support one of their own.”
“To win, I’m focused on connecting and motivating voters to attend the nomination meeting and support my bid,” he said. “Voters, not parties, or any other external organizations, decide nominations.”
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Rock, who has worked in the nuclear industry and is a believer in nuclear power playing a big role in Canada’s energy future, said his local roots have helped him understand the issues facing residents of the riding – especially those living in rural areas.
“Living in Sucgog, I understand the issues facing the rural residents here,” he said, citing supply chain issues, agricultural concerns, cost of living, housing and access to services such as high-speed internet. “I have also worked with the nuclear industry and am well-versed in the nuclear file. I firmly believe that current work at Darlington can be a model for Canada and the world in how multiple levels of government are working with a community to create cost effective, environmentally friendly nuclear power.”
Rock said there is no firm date for the nomination or for the by-election to follow. Currently, Rock’s only challenger is Jamil Jivani, a radio host and the Advocate for Community Opportunities for the Ontario government who grew up in Brampton, Toronto and Mississauga.
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