The Lakeside constituency witnessed a changing of the guard on Oct. 3 as Trevor King, representing the Progressive Conservative Party, emerged victorious in his first provincial election. Taking over the reins from cabinet minister Ralph Eichler, who chose not to seek re-election, King now holds the responsibility of representing Lakeside in the Manitoba Legislature for the next four years.
The atmosphere at King’s office in Stonewall was electric as the results of the election were announced on CBC last Tuesday evening. With 63.2 per cent of votes in his favour, it was clear that this victory was well-deserved.
Together, his family, campaign team and friends celebrated this monumental win for not only King but also for Lakeside constituency.
This victory in the provincial election was not just a personal triumph but a testament to the support and dedication of his loved ones, campaign team and all those who cast their votes for him.
“I feel a great deal of pride in my community for the overwhelming support from the people of Lakeside having the confidence in me to be their representative for the Manitoba Legislative Assembly,” he said. “I know the geography of this area well, along with a lot of people, and am confident they will be satisfied with my representation.”
With gratitude, King extended heartfelt thanks to all those who supported him throughout this journey — be it through casting their votes or contributing their time and effort towards his campaign. Their unwavering support undoubtedly played a vital role in securing this significant achievement.
His campaign team played an integral role in spreading King’s message across the Lakeside riding. He expressed his appreciation for every member of his team for their support, with countless hours spent canvasing, organizing events and spreading his message far and wide.
With the new Lakeside board, King vowed that going forward they are going to make it a successful riding like Eichler always had.
“They’re big shoes to fill, but I am going to do my damnedest to fill them,” he said.
King’s victory signifies a shift in leadership and an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the forefront. And as he looks ahead to his tenure as representative of Lakeside, he eagerly anticipates continuing several ongoing initiatives launched by the previous government.
He pledges to ensure that planned upgrades for PR 227 come to fruition while also prioritizing essential projects like constructing a new personal care home in Stonewall and establishing daycare facilities outlined in budget allocations for our communities.
But perhaps most crucially, health-care reform remains at the forefront for King. He’s committed to holding both PC plans and promises made by other political parties accountable when it comes to improving our health-care system.
Furthermore, alleviating financial burdens faced by families struggling with affordability concerns sits high on King’s priority list. By exploring economic development opportunities that foster growth within our local economy, he aims to create better conditions where families can thrive without constant fiscal strain.
Overall, King’s passion shines through as he looks forward excitedly at what lies ahead as the representative of Lakeside.
“I want the voters to know that my door will always be open,” he said, “and everyone’s concerns are important to me and should be addressed.”
Although, the New Democratic Party of Manitoba overthrew the long-standing Progressive Conservative government after seven years in power, marking a significant shift in political dynamics within the province, King promises to do his best to make Manitoba better.
“With the change in government we will need a strong voice for our residents and I intend to be that voice over the next four years and possibly beyond,” he promised. “I am looking forward to working with the many new and energetic people that were also elected to the legislature. I feel there will be a new energy that will be there to make things better for all of Manitoba.”
According to Elections Manitoba’s unofficial results, King earned 6,143 votes, followed by NDP candidate Dan Rugg with 2,706 votes and Liberal candidate Neil Stewart with 1,114 votes. There were also 61 declined ballots and 15 rejected ballots. In total, 10,039 people voted in Lakeside out of 15,393 registered voters, for a 64 per cent voter turnout — higher than the provincial average of 55 per cent voter turnout.
Provincially the New Democrats won a majority government winning 34 seats, the Progressive Conservatives 22 and the Liberal Party 1.
Outgoing Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson announced she was stepping down as leader of the Tories after Wab Kinew’s New Democrats won a majority government making Canadian history as the first First Nations premier of a province.
Stefanson was the successful candidate in the Tuxedo riding during Tuesday’s election and will remain as the leader of the Manitoba PC Party until a successor is chosen.
Manitoba Liberal leader Dougald Lamont announced he’s also stepping down after losing his seat.
Dr. Jon Gerrard also stepped down after losing his seat in the River Heights constituency last week. Gerrard was the elected Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for the constituency since being elected in 1999.
Prior to that Gerrard was the elected Member of Parliament for Portage-Interlake.
From 1980 to 1993, Gerrard worked at the Children’s Hospital. From 1985 to 1992 he was the head of the section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.
In the federal election of 1993, Gerrad was elected the Member of Parliament for Portage-Interlake and was chosen to be a member of Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s cabinet – being responsible initially for Science, Research and Development with the responsibility for Western Economic Diversification being added for 1996 and 1997. In those positions he was very involved in promoting access to the internet across Canada through Community Access Centres and School Net. He was also involved in an initiative to promote environmental industries and recognized the importance of these industries in addressing environmental issues.
In 1998, Gerrard became the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party and in 1999 was elected the Member of the Legislative Assembly in River Heights.
Tribune photo by Jo-Anne Procter
