Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton

With the recent resignation of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton, Ontario’s premier will now be forced to call a by-election.

McNaughton issued a statement on Friday saying he has accepted a job in the private sector and will be resigning his seat in the Legislature in the days ahead.

In response to the resignation, a Speaker’s Warrant will now be issued to Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer. At that point, Premier Doug Ford will be required to call a by-election within six months, as per the Legislative Assembly Act.

Under the Election Act, elections must be called on a Wednesday and held on the fifth Thursday following that date.

CKXS News has reached out to the Premier’s Office to determine if any decisions have been made regarding a by-election. No response was received prior to publication.