Selby seeking federal seat

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This article was published 6/10/2015 (1385 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Erin Selby has covered countless kilometres on the campaign trail in her quest to become the next Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital.

"I’ve been knocking on lots of doors," Selby told The Lance recently. "I’ll be doing my best to get to as many homes as possible."

Selby — a former MLA for Southdale and senior cabinet minister who held Health Minister and Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy portfolios in the provincial NDP government — is running against François Catellier (Con), Dan Vandal (Lib) and Glenn Zaretski (Green) in the federal riding, which has a population of 84,353. The riding has been held by Shelly Glover (Con) since 2008. Glover is not seeking re-election. The election will be held on Oct. 19.

Selby, a mother of three triplet daughters, was the last of the riding candidates to officially announce (on Sept. 4) her intention to run federally, and she is now campaigning three times daily.

"It wasn’t an easy decision to make, as it’s a big commitment and it takes a lot of time away from family, but I kept hearing how lots of people weren’t happy with the Harper government and wanted to see a federal NDP presence in the riding." Selby, 47, said.

"Many of the riding’s constituents see (party leader) Tom Mulcair as having a big chance of success, and many of them honestly feel Stephen Harper isn’t listening to them. They want ABC — Anything but Conservative."

As an established and recognizable figure in southeast Winnipeg who has already represented area residents, Selby said the nature of her political role is more significant than whether the position is at a provincial or federal level.

"At the end of the day, my job is very simple — it’s to listen to the people, and speak and act on their behalf. Listening to the constituents is my number one priority," Selby said.

"I’ve been representing local residents since 2007, and I’ve been a strong voice in the area. People know me in the riding and know I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in. I’ve held two high-profile cabinet positions, and I’ve fulfilled my commitments to my constituents. I don’t make promises I can’t keep."

In terms of her personal qualities and attributes, Selby said she is rarely far away from thinking like a parent.

"I always bring to the table the fact I’m a mom. My three daughters are in high school and they are beginning to think about their education and going to university, so it’s hard not to look at things through the eyes of a mom. Plus, it’s so important for me to be a role model for my kids," Selby said.

The former television presenter also highlighted one of the hidden benefits of constantly canvassing the neighbourhoods of southeast Winnipeg.

"One of the nicest parts of so much canvassing is that you get to eat what you want and indulge in one or two guilty pleasures and one or two extra desserts," she said with a laugh.

For more information, go online at ErinSelby.ndp.ca or call her campaign office at 204-615-ERIN (3746).

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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