CLARENVILLE, NL — Potential Conservative Party nominee Mike Windsor officially filed his paperwork at Clarenville’s Elections Canada offices on Friday, Nov. 17.
Windsor, who ran against Liberal MP Judy Foote two years ago in the initial election in Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, is looking to give it another shot this time around in the federal byelection on Dec. 11.
Windsor told the Packet after Foote resigned he was considering not running due to his recent rotator cuff surgery — his arm will be in a sling for another couple of months.
However, after being approached to reconsider and getting the go-ahead from his family, he decided to run.
“I thought of the two years I saw what’s been going on in the government, and I said, ‘sitting on the sideline, somebody’s got to do something and give a good, positive alternative,’” said Windsor. “So that’s why I said ‘yes.’”
Windsor was born in Wesleyville and raised in St. John’s. He attributes inspiration and his work ethic to his father, who was a quadriplegic after suffering from polio.
Windsor was a teacher, clergyman, certified volunteer chaplain for the RCMP, and high school counsellor in Alberta before becoming involved in leadership training for oil companies.
He eventually moved back home to Newfoundland, working for Kiewit-Kvaerner Contractors. He is now retired.
Now that his papers are filed, Windsor doesn’t expect his shoulder injury to slow him down in the least. He says he’s getting a lot of help along the way.
He plans to keep touring around the district over the next couple of weeks, telling people his message of the need for a voice of opposition in Atlantic Canada to hold the government accountable.
He’s holding a function Friday night at the Clarenville Inn to meet people from the district.
His opponent, Churence Rogers, has already been confirmed as the Liberal candidate in the upcoming election.
Twitter: @jejparsons
