Andrew Olivier to run as an independent in Sudbury riding

Andrew Olivier, who ran as a Liberal in the Sudbury riding in the last provincial election, says he will run as an independent in the upcoming byelection.

A byelection became necessary when former NDP MPP Joe Cimino stepped down in late November after a brief stint at Queens Park.

Olivier announced his plans Monday night.

Last month, Oliviersaid he was asked by Ontario'spremier and theLiberal party not to seek the party's nomination in the upcoming byelection in favour of another candidate. It was later revealed thatformer NDP MP Glenn Thibeaulthad been tapped to represent the Liberals in the byelection.

Olivier said he feels Sudbury needs a strong voice at Queens Park.

I still want to be that voice while supporting my centrist values and the best interests of Sudbury and Sudburians first and foremost, he said.

Sudbury has a right to choose an MPP who lives by loyalty, integrity and openness.

Olivier added change is imminent for the Sudbury riding.

We have new blood in city council and we cannot stop there, he said.

For the first time ever, Sudbury lacks both federal and provincial representation. Two NDP representatives have departed their seats in less than two months, leaving us unheard and unrepresented in either our provincial or federal capital.

Oliver saidthis is an opportunity to change the political scene in Sudbury.

I will only make one promise this election: I promise that as an independent, every decision made, every bill supported will be in the best interest of Sudbury and its constituents, he said.

Sudbury needs change.

At this point, no date for a byelection has been set.

To hear more from Olivier, tune into Morning North on CBC Radio One at 7:10 on Tuesday morning.