BONAVISTA-BURIN-TRINITY, NL — While the nomination date has not yet been set, three more individuals have confirmed they are seeking the Liberal nomination for the federal riding of Bonavista-Burin-Trinity.
After MP Judy Foote’s resignation last month, potential candidates have been acquiring signatures and signing up delegates in preparation for a Liberal nomination, which would lead to a byelection for the vacant seat.
Churence Rogers, mayor of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity, held an official event in the Bonavista Bay North community last Thursday.
Rogers, who was also mayor of Harbour Breton from 1997-2003, served as president of Municipalities NL for four years.
“During my term, we made significant gains for municipalities by successfully negotiating a new fiscal framework arrangement with the provincial government that injected millions of dollars annually into municipalities across NL,” he said in a release.
Rogers listed his roles and accomplishments, including serving as president of the Liberal Party of NL and director for the Liberal Party of Canada from 2000-2003.
“I would be honoured to be a part of our Liberal team in Ottawa as the Member of Parliament for the Bonavista-Burin-Trinity federal riding.”
Larry Guinchard of Garnish on the Burin Peninsula is also throwing his hat into the ring for the nomination.
In a press release issued last week, Guinchard says as a long-time Liberal supporter and organizer, he is pleased to announce his candidacy.
“My time living and working in this amazing area of our province has provided me a deep understanding of the issues of the riding.”
Born and raised in Flower’s Cove on the Northern Peninsula, Guinchard is a former executive assistant to former ministers Ed Roberts, Aubrey Gover and Paul Dicks. He has also organized both provincial and federal campaigns for the Liberal Party.
He is currently employed as director of procurement and business services with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, and lives in Mount Pearl.
Finally, RCMP Staff Sgt. Dale Foote has also confirmed his intention to run for the Liberal nomination.
Foote, who is from Burin, says he offers a voice for the people of the Burin Peninsula.
“These people need a voice and they want to know they have somebody they can trust and that they’re comfortable with,” he said. “I’m not saying the other candidates don’t have that to offer, but they’re not known to the area, and they’re not known to the riding as well, and that’s why I think I’d make a good candidate.”
Foote said through his work with both the local RCMP and his previous station in Port Aux Basques, he has worked closely with municipal councils to help bring their concerns to the local detachment. He said he has also supported their efforts to bring an addictions treatment facility to the area, understands the need for increased cell phone coverage on the peninsula, and met with councils on drug issues and community issues—providing a link between the RCMP and the area.
“I spend a lot of time talking to…and meeting with the mayors, and the councils. I’ve done that over the past three years and it’s been very effective because the concerns of our communities are being heard by the police.”
Both Pete Soucy and Merv Wiseman have already expressed interest in the seat earlier this month.
