The candidate was chosen at the Holiday Inn on Ontario Street Dec. 9. Pictured: Conservative St. Catharines candidate Bas Sluijmers. Photo Credit: Bas Sluijmers/Facebook.
The Conservative nomination meeting for the St. Catharines riding was held on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Holiday Inn on Ontario Street. Local party members selected Bas Sluijmers to represent the St. Catharines Conservatives in the 2025 federal election.
In securing this victory, Sluijmers defeated three prospective candidates, including St. Catharines Regional Councillor Peter Secord, legal clerk and businessman Hayden Lawrence, as well as local real estate agent Kim Schwenker.
“Thank you to the Conservative members of St. Catharines for entrusting me with your votes yesterday and giving me the privilege of leading you into the next election,” Sluijmers wrote in a statement of gratitude to supporters on social media. “There is much work ahead to secure a strong Conservative majority government in Ottawa and ensure that Pierre Poilievre becomes Canada’s next Prime Minister. I also want to express my gratitude to Peter Secord, Kim Schwenker, and Hayden Lawrence for their dedication throughout the nomination process.
“Together, we will reclaim St. Catharines and turn it blue once again.”
Sluijmers has a professional background in business, economics, and politics. He has pledged to “defend our fundamental freedoms, champion responsible economic policies, promote family values and support the most vulnerable in our community.”
While pursuing the nomination, Sluijmers obtained the endorsement of multiple Conservative Members of Parliament, including Niagara West MP Dean Allison, as well as Dr. Leslyn Lewis, the MP for Haldimand-Norfolk.
“I’ve known Bas for many years and am confident that his combination of experience, energy, and conviction will ensure that St. Catharines is well-represented on Parliament Hill,” said Allison. “His business experience and background in economics will help a Conservative government lower the cost of living, increase the housing supply, and create good jobs.”
“I am proud to endorse Bas Sluijmers to be your next Conservative candidate in St. Catharines,” stated Lewis. “In my experience working with Bas, he has proven himself to be a principled and dedicated conservative. With his background in economics and a wealth of political experience, I have no doubt he would make an excellent Member of Parliament and be a valuable addition to our Conservative Team!”
Sluijmers joins Allison, as well as Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli and Niagara South candidate Fred Davies, and has become the final federal Conservative to be nominated in Niagara’s four electoral districts ahead of the 2025 vote.
While Allison and Baldinelli are seeking re-election, Sluijmers and Davies will attempt to unseat Liberal incumbents Chris Bittle and Vance Badawey, in their respective ridings.
The next federal election is scheduled to take place no later than Oct. 20, 2025. However, because no party holds a majority of the seats in the House of Commons, an election could come at any time if opposition parties unite to topple the Liberal government.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
