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May 16, 2019 – Volume 33, No. 26
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Lalonde to run for federal nomination
Cumberland Panther and Ottawa Jr. Gee-Gees running back Clark O’Connor voids a tackle during an exhibition game against the École Polyvalente Nicolas-Gatineau on the weekend. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star It’s official, Orléans MPP Marie-France Lalonde is running for the federal Liberal nomination that is up for grabs after the recent decision by Liberal incumbent Andrew Leslie to step down. Lalonde announced her intention to seek the nomination in a press release on Monday. In it, she says that she made the decision after a great deal of “soul-searching”. “It is no secret that I was considering a run to be the next leader of the provincial Liberal Party,” Lalonde states, referring to the position left vacant when Kathleen Wynne resigned following the Liberals devastating defeat in last year’s provincial election. “When Andrew announced his decision I realized that my desire to serve our community was my top priority. I am seeking the Liberal nomination to be a strong voice for Orléans at the federal level... I want to fight
for Orléans and deal with issues that matter to us – as employees, as citizens, for growth, for jobs and for a prosperous community.” Lalonde is the first person to throw her hat into the ring thus far. There may be others and she is looking forward to a competitive nomination process. Just when that process will begin is any body’s guess. The federal riding association must first officially announce the process is open and then set a deadline for prospective candidates to register their intention to run. If no one puts their name forward, Lalonde will be acclaimed. If someone does, then they will go through the process of selling memberships, culminating in a nomination meeting when the successful nominee will be selected. Lalonde was first elected to the provincial legislature in 2014 when she replaced Phil McNeely who retired after serving nearly 12 years. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2