Three hopefuls vying to represent the party in October federal election

Casey Lalonde, running to represent Nickel Belt for the Green Party in the October federal election. The nomination meeting is Sept. 11 at the Legion on Long Lake Road. (Supplied)

1 / 1 Casey Lalonde, running to represent Nickel Belt for the Green Party in the October federal election. The nomination meeting is Sept. 11 at the Legion on Long Lake Road. (Supplied)

The Nickel Belt Greens Electoral District Association will hold its nomination contest Sept.11 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch on Long Lake Road, the party has announced.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. when members will select the candidate to represent the party for the upcoming federal election.

“Three fantastic young candidates have stepped up to challenge for the Nickel Belt nomination,” the party said in a news release, “Casey Lalonde, Kris Rivard and Ericha Hendel. 'none of the above' will also be an option on the ballot for Green members.”

The party traditionally includes the 'none of the above' option to ensure members always have a choice.

The release also included biographies for each of the candidates:

Ericha Hendel

Ericha Hendel is a 21-year-old resident of Sudbury. She is a student at Laurentian University, graduating from the French environmental studies program in June 2020. Ericha is a proud francophone and longtime resident of Sudbury and has always been an active member of the community.

For five years, Ericha has sat on the Chief’s Youth Advisory Council at the Greater Sudbury Police Services and has volunteered at Health Sciences North. She is also a dedicated member of the Laurentian University community, having served three years in the Association des Étudiantes et Étudiants Francophones and having recently been elected as the president of the french student association for the 2019-2020 academic year. Through these roles, Ericha has been able to better understand the citizens of Sudbury and fight for their well-being at the municipal level.

Ericha has held many positions within the Laurentian community. She has worked as a recruiter for the University of Sudbury, Vice president of the french student association and now President of that same association. Through these roles she has fought for the rights of students at the university senate as well as on a provincial and national level through the Canadian Federation of Students.

As a long time resident of Sudbury, Ericha understands the citizens concerns over road safety, environmental health and job creation. Ericha supports the Green Party of Canada because of their strong beliefs in equality and sustainability. She appreciates their commitment to complete transparency, global peace-building, local and national environmental restoration and protection as well as their approach to building a sustainable green economy. She is dedicated to upholding these values and looks forward to becoming the Green Party of Canada's candidate in the Nickel Belt riding.

Kris Rivard

Kris Rivard is a former student of Canadore College in North Bay, completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management in April of 2018. The Canadore studies followed his acquiring a B.A. in Geography from Laurentian University in Sudbury and other post graduate work at Carleton University in the city of Ottawa. Kris was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in North Bay in 1992.

Now engaged, Kris and Janique are getting married this August, one year after purchasing their very first home in their hometown of Sturgeon Falls. Kris is active in local hockey and soccer leagues. And, like all good Northerners, he loves anything that has to do with the outdoors.

Kris pursued the nomination for the Green Party candidacy motivated by his life-long interest in the environment and sustainability.



Casey Lalonde

Casey Lalonde was born and raised in Garson, but she currently lives in Sudbury. Casey attended Laurentian University and currently works for a non-profit agency while completing a master’s degree in counselling psychology from Yorkville University. Casey is actively involved in Sudbury community and maintains a busy, active lifestyle.

Casey has been involved with the Green Party for a number of years. She ran for the Green Party of Ontario in 2014 and 2018 and currently sits on the provincial executive for the Green Party of Ontario as the Northern female representative. Casey has been involved with the local constituency associations and electoral district associations for a number of years.

Casey is seeking the nomination because she is deeply concerned about the current state of the world. She worries what the future will hold for future generations if we do not begin to take meaningful action on climate change. However, Casey is optimistic and believes that Canada can shift towards renewable energy sources and a sustainable economy.

Casey is very passionate about mental health and is able to connect mental health to all facets of society. Her ultimate goal is to become a leader in personal development and a high-profile psychotherapist. Casey believes in the biopsychosocial model of mental health and the social determinants of health.

As a Green Party MP, Casey would fight for a investments in sustainable businesses shifting to renewable energy, creating a nation-wide mental health care strategy, radical reforms to the criminal justice system, and abolishing interest on Canada student loans.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to represent my home town and the riding in which I grew up,” she is quoted as saying in her biography.