 |
 Orléans
MPP Marie-France Lalonde is considering whether or not
to take a run at the federal Liberal nomination in the
local riding. FILE PHOTO |
Orléans
MPP Marie-France Lalonde is "strongly� considering a career
change according to several local media outlets.
The French
language radio station Unique FM was the first to report
the news that Lalonde plans to seek the federal Liberal
nomination to replace current Orléans MP Andrew Leslie in
the federal election this fall.
Leslie
announced last week that he would not be seeking re-election
in order to pursue a "new path�. It come to light several
days later that he will be testifying for the defence in
the upcoming trial of suspended Vice-Admiral Mark Norman.
Leslie's
surprise announcement left a sudden void that was immediately
filled with rumours of potential successors, but Lalonde's
name was not among them.
It had
long been rumoured that the former Liberal Cabinet minister
was seriously considering taking a run at the provincial
leadership, but that brass ring seems to have been replaced
by the chance to sit in the House of Commons.
Lalonde's
spokespeople say she plans to make an announcement next
Monday.
In an
interview with ONFR+, Lalonde admitted that she is `strongly`
considering a run for the federal nomination.
"I have
been approached by people from the riding and from friends
in the federal government who strongly believe that I can
help keep the riding red,� Lalonde told ONFR+ reporter �tienne
Fortin-Gauthier.
The 47-year-old
former social worker and health care professional was first
elected to the provincial legislature in 2014, replacing
outgoing Liberal incumbent Phil McNeely in the process.
After
serving as the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of
Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure for
two years she was appointed to Cabinet in June 2015 as the
Minister of Government and Community Services and the minister
responsible for francophone affairs.
In January
2017, she was moved to Community Safety and Correctional
Services while still retaining her duties as Minister of
Francophone Affairs. In last year's provincial election
she was one of only six Liberals to get re-elected out of
the former Kathleen Wynne government.
Lalonde
is married to her husband Alvaro and they have a grown daughter.
(This
story was made possible thanks to the generous support of
our local business partners.)
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