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Former Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette Seeks Provincial Nomination for Southdale

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Sakchi Khandelwal
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Robert-Falcon Ouellette finished fifth in the 2022 Winnipeg mayoral race. He's now eyeing provincial office as a Manitoba Liberal.
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Image Credit: CBC

Ouellette aims to represent the provincial Liberal Party in the upcoming election for the Southdale constituency in Winnipeg

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Robert-Falcon Ouellette, a former Liberal Member of Parliament and two-time mayoral candidate in Winnipeg, has announced his candidacy for the provincial Liberal nomination in Southdale, a southeast Winnipeg constituency. Ouellette served as the Liberal MP for Winnipeg Centre from 2016 until he was defeated by the NDP's Leah Gazan in 2019.

Having previously contested the mayoral race in 2014 and 2022, Ouellette expressed his passion for politics and his desire to support the Manitoba Liberal Party and its leader, Dougald Lamont. In an interview, he stated, "Politics is certainly a fun bug and I can't let my friends be on their own."

If Ouellette secures the uncontested Southdale nomination, he will compete in the October 3 election against the Progressive Conservative incumbent Audrey Gordon, who also serves as Manitoba's health minister, and NDP candidate Renee Cable, who won the party nomination in 2022 and has been actively campaigning.

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Ouellette acknowledged that entering politics is not always about choosing the easiest path, emphasizing that good politics often involves facing challenges. Although he currently resides outside the Southdale constituency, he is committed to representing its residents and advocating for their interests.

Audrey Gordon, backed by the Progressive Conservatives, has been proud of her accomplishments in Southdale. Her advocacy efforts have included championing upgrades for the Falcons football field, the development of the new Collège Béliveau track, and improvements to the Bonivital Pool.

The NDP, represented by Renee Cable, highlighted the fact that Cable resides in Southdale, emphasizing her strong connection to the community. The party spokesperson, Rebecca Widdicome, asserted that Cable is the candidate capable of defeating Gordon and addressing the issues surrounding healthcare.

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Southdale has been held by the Progressive Conservatives since 2016, following a previous nine-year tenure by former NDP MLA Erin Selby.

Ouellette's Return to Political Arena

Robert-Falcon Ouellette's decision to seek the provincial Liberal nomination in Southdale marks his return to the political arena after his term as an MP and mayoral campaigns. His experience and passion for politics make him a notable contender in the upcoming election. Ouellette's candidacy adds a competitive dynamic to the race for Southdale and showcases the diverse range of candidates vying for the seat.

A Three-Way Contest for Southdale

The Southdale constituency in Winnipeg will witness a three-way contest in the upcoming provincial election. Incumbent Audrey Gordon of the Progressive Conservatives, NDP candidate Renee Cable, and former MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette of the Liberal Party will vie for the support of constituents. With a history of being a PC stronghold, the race for Southdale presents an opportunity for the Liberals and NDP to make their mark and challenge the incumbent party.

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