Dr. Don Trant of Georgetown was chosen as the Liberal candidate for the federal riding of Wellington-Halton Hills at a packed meeting on May 13 at the Georgetown Cultural Centre.
He says he’s keen to challenge current MP Michael Chong in an election expected to take place Oct. 19.
“I bring my proven leadership skills, my name and reputation and my large, talented team. I have faced huge challenges in the past and I have delivered,” said Trant, who noted he is ready to travel throughout the riding to meet voters.
“There is evidence” he told the audience, “that the tide is changing and Canadians and residents of Wellington-Halton Hills have lost confidence in this government.
“It may be okay for Stephen Harper to leave his debts to his granddaughter as his finance minister suggests, but it is not okay for me, and it is not okay for my granddaughter.”
Also seeking the Liberal nomination was entrepreneur Andy Mimnagh of Hornby. Last fall, before nominations began, the federal party had about 200 registered members in this riding. That number more than tripled since Trant and Mimnagh started recruiting supporters to join, making them eligible to choose their candidate, states a press release from Trant.
A physician in family practice for many years, Trant was recruited to several hospital executive positions during his career. As vice president of William Osler Health Centre, he was responsible for 800 staff on three diverse campuses, and a budget of $35 million.
As CEO of Georgetown Hospital, he achieved a balanced budget, a rarity among hospitals at the time. Soon after his retirement last year, the Liberal party convinced him to run in a riding that takes in Wellington-Halton Hills.
Committed to Liberal values since he first heard Pierre Trudeau speak years ago, Trant said his particular concerns as an MP will be honest, accountable and democratic government, an energy plan that will address climate change and boost the economy, and restoration of a strong universal health care system.
“It’s time to restore fairness and respect to the national conversation” Trant told the assembly. “I love tackling new things. Politics is an extension of everything I’ve done in my career. Health is more than a visit to the doctor. It’s about a clean environment, healthy food, satisfying work, and living in a caring community where people look after each other.”
