A two-term Orillia councillor has his eyes on the seat occupied by Simcoe North’s longtime MP.

Mason Ainsworth hopes to secure the Conservative Party nomination for Simcoe North in advance of the next federal election.

“I just want to help more people in our communities,” he said.

Ainsworth is filling out the nomination package and hopes to follow in the footsteps of incumbent MP Bruce Stanton, who is not seeking a sixth term in Ottawa. 

An individual must secure party approval before throwing his or her hat into the ring as an official candidate.

Once an application is approved, candidates must undergo an interview process.

“If you get through all of that successfully, then you are approved to run as a candidate in the nomination process,” Ainsworth said.

“As there is a minority government, we are unsure of when the federal election will be,” he added. “As a result, at this point in time, we are not sure when the nomination date will be.”

Should he secure the nomination, Ainsworth said he would continue to fulfill his council duties, but would likely take a leave of absence during the election period.