Morden mayor who battled vaccine opponents, faced threats during pandemic, resigns suddenly
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Monthly Digital Subscription
$1 per week for 24 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
Monthly Digital Subscription
$4.75/week*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $16.99 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $23.99 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/10/2023 (752 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A southern Manitoba mayor who railed against anti-vaccine sentiments throughout the pandemic has issued a sudden resignation, walking away from public office in a community that was, at times, hostile.
The City of Morden announced the resignation of Mayor Brandon Burley in a release Thursday.
“Under Mayor Burley’s leadership, Morden has experienced unprecedented transformation and significant growth, emerging as a beacon of progress in the region. His unwavering commitment to the city and his visionary approach have played a pivotal role in shaping Morden’s future,” the statement said.
RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Morden Mayor Brandon Burley, an outspoken proponent of vaccines, has resigned suddenly from his post.
“Burley’s resignation, while sudden, comes from a place of deep personal reflection on what is needed, not only for municipalities but also for individuals and families.”
Burley was elected in the community, located about 130 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg, in 2018 and won the seat again through acclamation last October.
He was an outspoken proponent of vaccinations amid the COVID-19 pandemic — becoming a target of threats and outrage in the southern region, which experienced high test positivity, low vaccine uptake rates and scant adherence to public health orders.
Burley thanked the community and city council for supporting him throughout his tenure, including a few words of his own along with the city’s statement.
“I have come to recognize the significant responsibility I have towards my family’s own transformational growth years,” he said.
The city expects to hold a byelection to fill the vacancy.
“The City of Morden extends its gratitude to Mayor Burley for his leadership and looks forward to a bright and prosperous future,” it said.
Under Burley’s leadership, Morden held its first first-ever Pride event in 2019, and honoured the Indigenous community with ceremonies on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
The Free Press was unable to reach Burley for comment.
tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca
Tyler Searle is a multimedia producer who writes for the Free Press’s city desk. A graduate of Red River College Polytechnic’s creative communications program, he wrote for the Stonewall Teulon Tribune, Selkirk Record and Express Weekly News before joining the paper in 2022. Read more about Tyler.
Every piece of reporting Tyler produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Tyler Searle is a multimedia producer who writes for the Free Press’s city desk. A graduate of Red River College Polytechnic’s creative communications program, he wrote for the Stonewall Teulon Tribune, Selkirk Record and Express Weekly News before joining the paper in 2022. Read more about Tyler.
Every piece of reporting Tyler produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Related Articles
Chance to serve on Kinew advisory team, advocate for municipalities behind Morden mayor’s sudden departure
Advertisement Advertise With Us
Advertisement Advertise With Us