YARMOUTH, N.S. — Quinan resident, paramedic, and community volunteer Colton LeBlanc has officially announced his intention to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination in Argyle-Barrington, if a byelection is needed.
“I am honoured by the support I’ve been given in my decision to throw my hat in the ring to be Argyle-Barrington’s next MLA,” the Yarmouth County resident says. “Argyle-Barrington has had a strong, passionate representative under MLA Chris d’Entremont. I hope to take the reigns and continue to be a loud voice and a strong advocate for southwest Nova Scotia.”
D’Entremont is running for the Conservative federal nomination for the West Nova riding. Should he be successful in his bid for a federal seat a byelection would be required.
(Note to readers: Origional d'Entremont had told the Tri-County Vanguard newsroom that he would have to resign his seat immediately if he is successful in his bid for the Conservative nomination for the seat. He says there has since been clarification from Legislative Council saying, as a MLA, "we still need to resign, but only after we become the candidate in the eyes of Elections Canada, which is when we submit after the writ is dropped.")
LeBlanc is an advanced care paramedic in southwestern Nova Scotia, having received his primary care paramedic training at Medavie HealthEd and his advanced care paramedic certification at Holland College. Prior to this, he obtained a Bachelor of Science from Université Sainte-Anne in Church Point. He also works as a substitute teacher in CSAP schools in the Argyle area.
LeBlanc wants to use his experience and knowledge to be a healthcare advocate for the people of Argyle-Barrington.
“It’s no surprise to the people that there are serious issues in our healthcare system,” says LeBlanc. “I’ve seen the daily struggles and the tragic realities for people here. As MLA, I will be speaking up on this issue.”
In addition to his active involvement in the Acadian community, LeBlanc is a volunteer firefighter and medical first responder in the Quinan and District Fire Department and a member of Nova Scotia’s provincial AED Registry Advisory Committee. He also delivers medical first responder education workshops to volunteer firefighters.
“I am a firm believer that you need to embrace every opportunity to help your neighbour and be a member of the community,” says LeBlanc. “I look forward to meeting communities across southwest Nova Scotia, hearing their concerns and ideas to make us stronger.”
People can visit his Facebook at www.facebook.com/VoteColtonLeBlanc for more information.
Another Yarmouth County resident, Craig Prouty, previously announced his intention to seek the PC nomination for the seat should a byelection become a reality.
CONSERVATIVE NOMINATION MEETINGS
The dates for the Conservative West Nova nomination meetings are:
• Friday, June 21, 6 p.m. Yarmouth Lions Club
• Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. Annapolis Basin Conference Centre
• Saturday, June 22, 3 p.m. Berwick Lions Club
