ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — St. John’s city councilor and entrepreneur Debbie Hanlon is testing the waters on a run for federal politics.
Hanlon has hired a team to look at whether or not she could become the Conservative Party of Canada nominee in St. John’s East.
Hanlon says she hasn’t made up her mind at this point, but the exploration is on.
“It’s a very serious decision to make, and one I don’t take lightly. I have commitments, both business and personal. I’ll have to involve my family, my business partners, and municipal colleagues,” said Hanlon.
“I’m looking at what’s involved in the process. It’s an entirely different game than municipal politics. The process is very detailed and there’s a lot of work involved. Right now, we’re looking at all options.”
The process is very detailed and there’s a lot of work involved. Right now, we’re looking at all options.” — Debbie Hanlon
She says an announcement on whether or not her campaign is a go is likely in the next two weeks.
The district is currently held by Liberal MP Nick Whalen, who narrowly defeated former New Democratic Party MP Jack Harris in the district. Fellow St. John’s councilor Deanne Stapleton was the Conservative party nominee in 2015.
The path to the nomination became one person easier for Hanlon, after Cape St. Francis MHA Kevin Parsons announced he will seek re-election at the provincial level, after weighing a run for federal politics in St. John’s East.
The federal election is expected to take place in early October.
Twitter: @DavidMaherNL
