Al McDonald kisses his partner Wendy Abdallah this morning after announcing his intention to seek the Conservative Party nomination for the federal Nipissing-Timiskaming riding.
Al McDonald kisses his partner Wendy Abdallah this morning after announcing his intention to seek the Conservative Party nomination for the federal Nipissing-Timiskaming riding. ____________________________________________________________
Al McDonald said he just couldn't stand by any longer watching what was going on in Ottawa.
McDonald announced this morning he will seek the new Conservative Party nomination for the Nipissing-Timiskaming federal riding, citing the sponsorship debacle now going on in the nation's capital.
"I could not stand on the sidelines and watch the corruption, the scandals, going on in Ottawa and I believe people want a change," McDonald said.
"I’ve heard from them they’re angry at Paul Martin and the Liberal Party, and I’m going to stand up and I’m going to fight for the average Canadian and for us here in Northern Ontario."
The former Nipissing MPP and one-time deputy mayor said he made his decision during the months following his defeat last October to Liberal Monique Smith.
"I took some time off and sat back to evaluate what I wanted to do, and then I started watching what was unfolding in Ottawa," McDonald said, "and I too, was angry at what was happening, that the average tax payer, the average citizen out was being taken advantage, and I just could wait out on the sidelines, I just had to get involved. That’s my character."
McDonald made his announcement outside the North Bay General Hospital because, he said, he wanted to draw a parallel between the hundred million dollar sponsorship scandal and the need for health care funding.
"That money could have been used to help bring more doctors and nurses to this riding, and reduce the long waiting lists in our area hospitals", McDonald said.
McDonald said he is "very comfortable" with Conservative party leader Stephen Harper , and "the policies the party has put in place."
McDonald said he has always worked hard, first as North Bay's deputy mayor, and then as the Nipissing MPP.
"If people think I worked hard then, wait 'til they see me this time around", McDonald said.
"I'm energetic, enthusiastic, and can't wait to get going".
