Moments after Liberal MP, Ray Bonin, was declared the winner in the Nickel Belt Federal Election, he declared his solid commitment to work with the recently elected Ward 3 Councillors, Louise Portelance and Ron Dupuis, in continuing to promote the economic development of Valley East and Capreol. Portelance and Dupuis have indicated that they will make sure that Ward 3 receives its share of attention when the City of Greater Sudbury begins a new era. Bonin, who has long been recognized for his assistance in the development of numerous projects in the area, vows that he will do whatever he can to bring new money to spearhead long-term initiatives which will ensure the future of our community.

When the results began coming in on election night, November 27, it wasn’t long before the Bonin supporters began celebrating. He was well rewarded by the voters for the work he has done in the past two terms and can now go forward into a third term with the knowledge that his constituents have given him a strong vote of confidence. He is also in a good position for our area as a member of a strong majority Liberal government.

The Bonin headquarters were situated at the Manoir Hotel in Val Caron. During the evening, a local musical group, Roys and Friends, provided musical entertainment and regular updates on results as they were coming in from the polls. The group consisted of Doris Lagrandeur, Norm Malette, Cecile Roy and Gerry Roy.

Bonin was pleased to be working with Portelance and Dupuis, “I have always been proud to represent the people of Nickel Belt and in particular Valley East. We have done a lot for this area in the past and I intend to make sure that we don’t lose any of the momentum now that the outside municipalities have been amalgamated into a larger city. I think we can form a strong team at the two levels of government and continue to do what is best for the people of Valley East.

“Ray is a good person to have in Ottawa,” declared Dupuis, who has been a long-time Liberal supporter. “He cares about the people of Valley East, not just in his own political future. He will do a lot for us in this term.”

“This is not about politics. It doesn’t matter which party you support,” added Portelance, who has not publically declared her personal political preference. “We have to work together for the people of Valley East and all of Ward 3 and Ray Bonin is a good person to have on our side.”

When the final results were tabulated later in the evening, Ray Bonin had received 19,182 votes. Sandy Bass (NDP) was runner up with 8,992; followed by Neil Martin (CA) with 6,373 and Reg Couldridge (PC) with 1,665.