The Independent

Sarnia City Councillor George Vandenberg will carry the Liberal banner in the federal election.

Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong Liberal Association spokesperson Caroline DiCocco confirmed the former Sarnia police detective’s selection late Thursday.

Vandenberg’s appointment to the position comes five days into the 36-day campaign.

The 70 year-old Bright’s Grove man was elected to Sarnia Council in 2018 and was re-elected twice. He currently serves on the Sarnia Police Services Board as part of his council obligations. Vandenberg owns a para-legal service which focuses on help people deal with traffic tickets.

Vandenberg’s move to federal politics is not a surprise. He expressed interest in running for the Liberals in 2021. The local Liberal Party nominated Lois Nantis instead.

In a news release Friday, Vandenberg said Sarnia-Lambton has world class leaders who can help Canada through the tariff threat we face from the US.

“This means putting Lambton first in line to produce the things we previously imported from the U.S. It means opening new markets and opportunities for the incredible products and services we offer. It means building the infrastructure we need – air and rail links, affordable housing, reliable energy, support for local media – to generate new businesses, great jobs, and reduce poverty. It means keeping us competitive by ensuring our community remains affordable and a great place to live,” he said in the statement.

Vandenberg joins the Conservative incumbent Marilyn Gladu, Lo-Anne Chan of the NDP, Brian Everaert of the Peoples’ Party of Canada and Tony Mitchell of the Rhinoceros Party of Canada in the race. Of the candidates, only Gladu has been formally registered with Elections Canada for the April 28 vote.

While Vandenberg has not yet publicly talked about his run for the MP’s job, it is likely, as tradition dictates, he will step away from his duties at Sarnia City Council during the election.