Rochefort Wins Nipissing-Timiskaming

Liberal candidate Pauline Rochefort was elected the new Member of Parliament for Nipissing Timiskaming Monday, defeating her closest opponent Conservative Garry Keller. “Thank you to everyone who voted for me and for Mark Carney. People want leadership that will unite us and defend us. Leadership that will build the strongest, fairest, and freest country in the world,” said Rochefort to supporters and media who gathered at the North Bay Granite Club. “I also understand that some citizens are angry, some are afraid, and others are suffering. That is why I will work hard to improve the lives of every citizen, business owner, and municipality that calls Nipissing-Timiskaming home.

I am committed to serve every person in this riding, no matter who they voted for,” added Rochefort. It was an evening of thanks and acknowledgement as Rochefort recognized her opponents for standing for election, the local media for informing the public about the issues and the party platforms, supporters for their donations and signs, and the volunteers on her campaign team. “The small campaign group that was there at the beginning quickly grew into a dynamic, energetic, and first-rate campaign team, both in Timiskaming and in Nipissing.

I’m also grateful for the support of the Nipissing Timiskaming Federal Liberal Association,” said Rochefort. She paid special recognition to retiring MP Anthony Rota for his years of service to the riding. “I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the respect and gratitude for Anthony Rota that was expressed at so many doors we knocked on in Nipissing-Timiskaming. Anthony, you have served for nearly 18 years, and we are proud of you,” said Rochefort Rochefort supported and advocated for the success of entrepreneurs and their businesses during her career in national economic and business development, finance and business strategy before retiring in 2014.

As a passionate Canadian, she championed Canada’s wood industry as the Canadian Wood Council President during the hard-fought softwood lumber trade dispute ending in 2006 with a trade agreement with the United States. It was because of this work that Ottawa University recognized her for her leadership in Canadian business.

Rochefort approached federal politics with her success as a municipal leader, knowing that listening to people is one of the foundations of running for office. She has served on the East Ferris Municipal Council for more than 10 years and was in her second term as Mayor when she made the decision to run for election.