Axworthy backs longtime River Heights Liberal despite making Kinew his choice for premier

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This article was published 18/09/2023 (761 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two weeks after endorsing NDP Leader Wab Kinew as Manitobans’ best choice for premier, former federal Liberal cabinet minister Lloyd Axworthy was back in familiar political territory Monday.

Axworthy, also a former president of the University of Winnipeg, is throwing his support behind Liberal MLA Jon Gerrard’s re-election campaign in River Heights.

“I’ve been following your election campaign and want to offer my support,” Axworthy said in a statement released by the Manitoba Liberal party Monday.

“We served together in (former prime minister Jean) Chretien’s government where you were a voice for positive action on health and environmental matters. You have brought the same commitment and compassion to your role over many years as the MLA for River Heights.

“At this time when politics needs people of integrity, your continued presence in the Manitoba Legislature is a plus for all of us.”

Gerrard, who has been MLA for River Heights since 1999 and was leader of the Manitoba Liberals from 1998 to 2013, was a Liberal MP and a secretary of state in the Chretien government from 1993 to 1997.

“With the current toxic environment between the PCs and NDP, having Liberals in the legislature provides a degree of balance, a thoughtful voice, and enables issues which other parties don’t bring up to be discussed,” Gerrard said, adding he is “honoured” to have Axworthy’s support.

Axworthy served as a Liberal MLA in Fort Rouge from 1973 to 1979 before jumping to federal politics. He served as minister of employment and immigration and minister of transport under prime minister Pierre Trudeau before he was named foreign affairs minister in Chretien’s government.

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He retired after a decade as president and vice-chancellor of the U of W in 2014.

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Kevin Rollason
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Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press’s city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin.

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