SAINT JOHN – The New Brunswick Liberal Association held a nomination convention last Wednesday night for the next provincial election on September 24, 2018. John MacKenzie was nominated as the Liberal candidate for Portland-Simonds in an uncontested meeting.
Premier Brian Gallant, who is also Leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, was present at the nomination and commended MacKenzie on his community engagement in the riding. “As a councillor and former District Education Council member, John has shown great leadership and a strong focus on growing the economy and improving education for the people of Saint John. This experience will serve him well as the next MLA for Portland-Simonds.” said Gallant.
Elected to Saint John Common Council in 2012 and re-elected in 2016, John is a key member of the City’s Growth Committee. He was instrumental in negotiating the three-year funding agreement of over $150,000 to support the city’s five priority neighbourhoods. He also led the charge to evaluate the location of City Hall, resulting in savings of more than $700,000 annually. John strongly supported critical community infrastructure projects such as the Emera New Brunswick Field at Shamrock Park and the revitalization of the C.E. (Nick) Nicolle Community Centre.
An active community member, John has served on the boards of Saint John Energy, the Saint John Police Commission, P.R.O Kids and Living SJ. Education has always been a particular interest of John’s as he was Chair of the District Education Council from 2004 to 2010 and is a former member of Princess Elizabeth’s Parent School Support Committee. He also chaired the District Parent Advisory Council from 1998 to 2004 and was the provincial Board of Education Representative for Saint John from 2002 to 2004.
John and his wife Catherine have lived in Saint John their entire lives, where they have raised their three children Patricia, Michael, and Christine. Before joining Council, John spent his career of over 35 years with Canada Post.
John MacKenzie said he was honoured to receive the uncontested endorsement from the members of Portland-Simonds. “During my term as councillor, I have championed important causes such as eliminating child poverty, seeking economic growth and prudent public spending,” said MacKenzie. “I’ve seen the results that the Gallant government has delivered to Saint John and all of New Brunswick, and I feel the time is right to bring my experience and passion for growing Saint John to the provincial level.”
The list of official contestants for nominations are available on the New Brunswick Liberal Party’s website at nbliberal.ca.
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