Two more seeking Tory nomination

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This article was published 08/08/2018 (2632 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The fight to elect another Conservative in the federal riding of Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa is gearing up for a three-man showdown, after two more political hopefuls announced their candidacies in recent days.

Ben Fox declared his departure as president of Manitoba Beef Producers on Tuesday in order to seek the Conservative Party of Canada nomination, making him the third candidate to come forward for the soon-to-be vacant seat, following a similar announcement from longtime Mountain View School Division trustee Floyd Martens more than a week ago.

Former Keystone Agricultural Producers president Dan Mazier announced his candidacy in early July.

“I really look at it as a very exciting time to be a Conservative and to be in this riding,” said Fox, who is from Dauphin and has served as president of MBP since February 2017.

Fox said he chose to run after hearing that sitting Conservative MP Robert Sopuck would not seek re-election in Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa.

Having to leave MBP was a big decision, Fox said, adding: “It’s an organization that I really feel strongly in and I believe it helps beef producers in many facets of the industry.”

But Fox said that he believes he can bring a strong rural voice to Ottawa in order to fight back against the Liberal government’s proposed carbon tax and support the interests of farmers, ranchers, hunters and fishers.

As for the increasing number of candidates who intend on running for the conservative nomination, Fox said it was great for the party and the constituents of the riding.

“I plan on showcasing my differences and being able to let folks know what I’m all about, and hopefully end up with the win,” he said.

A statement from MBP thanked Fox for his service as president and for his dedication to advancing the interests of Manitoba’s beef producers.

MBP vice-president Tom Teichroeb will serve as president on an interim basis until the board of directors meets on Aug. 28 to discuss filling the vacancy.

Martens, a school board trustee for 26 years and past president of both the Manitoba School Boards Association and Canadian School Boards Association, said it was a good thing to have other candidates put their names in the ring.

“That’s a healthy process for democracy having multiple voices and multiple perspectives and a choice,” he said.

“I think that’s important.”

Martens said he has lived in Roblin for 30 years which, combined with his time on school board, has given him a different perspective on rural issues and education.

Asked about why he wants to run, Martens didn’t point to any one specific reason.

“It’s more to make sure that we have a strong voice for the Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa riding and a voice that will bring the concerns of our citizens to … the House of Commons.”

Mazier, meanwhile, said he knew Martens while serving as a trustee for the Rolling River School Division.

The former KAP president was born and raised near Forrest and used to work for Brandon’s Simplot fertilizer plant, now owned by Koch, and MNP as an agricultural adviser.

Mazier said he was impressed by the grassroots nature of the CPC nomination process, adding it has been a good warmup for the federal election.

“It’s set up pretty good and it’s good to see,” he said. “It’s true democracy really in action here.”

The nomination has not officially opened, but each of the three candidates said they plan on meeting people and signing up more CPC members.

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