Fort Richmond votes for new leadership
PC’s Guillemard takes over from the NDP’s Kerri Irvin-Ross
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This article was published 22/04/2016 (3699 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
After 13 years as representative for Fort Richmond, Kerri Irvin-Ross was unseated on April 19 by the PC’s Sarah Guillemard.
Guillemard, a local community advocate and mother of four, commanded an impressive 2,874 votes (43.82 per cent) to beat Irvin-Ross’ 2,269, and Liberal candidate Kyra Wilson’s 805 votes.
“The weight of responsibility is settling in and I’m curious to get to work for the community and Manitoba and I think I have a long learning curve to go through and I’m up for the challenge,” Guillemard told The Sou’wester.
Guillemard said there was an element of surprise as the election results came in, but what she heard at the doors was ultimately reflected in the polls.
“People were looking for a change, and fresh eyes and new ideas to help Manitoba get back on track,” she said. “They felt that I could accomplish that and represent them well.”
Guillemard said the campaign was a positive experience that involved her family and those closest to her and she’s looking forward to getting more details about next steps from the party as well as setting up a constituency office.
Outgoing MLA Kerri Irvin-Ross remained upbeat during a brief exit interview with The Sou’wester on April 21.
The former deputy premier and minister of family services, among other responsibilities, said while the results weren’t what she expected or hoped for, she respects the choice voters made.
“I look forward to the Progressive Conservative government protecting front-line services, making sure that we’re expanding childcare spaces and providing better support for families,” Irvin-Ross said.
“I had an opportunity to call Sarah… I had a conversation with her and congratulated her, and I think I she has a very exciting journey in front of her.
“I had 13 years, I say almost twice as long as the average MLA, so I’m excited about my future and the opportunity that Sarah is going to have,” she added.
While uncertain about what exactly the future may hold, Irvin-Ross said she is looking forward to spending time with her family, taking stock of what she’s done, and remaining involved in the community.
“When I won in 2003, I didn’t expect to win, and I was shocked, so the next day after that election I cleaned my basement. Well, this time I’ve got a big garage I need to clean,” she half-joked.
While in office, Irvin-Ross was responsible for a number of challenging files, including status of women, housing, and child and family services.
“I’m leaving standing tall,” she said. “I really believe in the policies and programs that we put forward for Manitobans, and I believe very strongly that Manitoba is stronger today because of that.”
Irvin-Ross said she’ll continue working in the community, volunteering and nurturing the relationships she’s developed since being elected.
While not ruling out a future in politics, she said it is unlikely.
“I’m going to evaluate and see what opportunities present themselves,” she said.
Voter turnout in Fort Richmond was 69.8 per cent with 6,558 votes cast.