Opitz optimistic in Etobicoke Centre rematch

Conservative incumbent confident of holding on to seat after narrow victory over former Liberal MP last time

The difference between having a 13- and 14-seat majority for the Conservatives federally in 2011 was 26 votes. That’s the number of votes that gave Conservative candidate Ted Opitz the edge over Liberal candidate Borys Wrzesnewskyj in Etobicoke Centre.

Wrzesnewskyj had represented the riding for seven years and the Liberals had held that riding since 1993. So when Wrzesnewskyj lost in the last election it was not anticipated.

Despite the close race last time, incumbent MP Ted Opitz says he is feeling confident he will be re-elected.

“I’ve knocked on thousands and thousands of doors and talked to a lot of people. I’m feeling very confident with the strong response and feedback I’ve been receiving,” Opitz said Friday evening, following a busy day of campaigning. 

Among the many campaign topics receiving voter feedback is his platform’s emphasis on seniors’ family needs, Opitz says.

According to the 2011 census, 20.2 per cent of the Etobicoke Centre riding is 65 years old or older.

“These are people who really laid the foundation that we walk upon,” Opitz said. “They have played a big part in this great country we live in and they deserve to be taken care of, and to live dignified lives.”

Opitz said the Conservatives would accomplish this through income splitting, senior supplements, single senior tax cuts and if re-elected, single seniors will receive an additional $2000 tax break.

About this article

By: Sayada Nabi and Nicole Dawe
Posted: Oct 12 2015 1:19 pm
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Filed under: News