Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Don Rusnak is approaching the end of his term and won’t be seeking re-election, to spend more time with his young family.
He was in the district last Wednesday to make a funding announcement, which will be one of his last visits as MP before the federal election.
Prior to the announcement, Rusnak told elected officials from the townships of Alberton and Fort Frances that they will be dearly missed, once he leaves office.
“With the municipalities and all the people from administration to elected officials out here, it has been a great relationship,” he lauded.
Fort Frances CAO Doug Brown told Rusnak he’s appreciative off the work he’s done through the Rural Caucus Committee, which helped lead to the building of Fort Frances’ Rainy Lake Market Square.
Rusnak said he was glad to be a part of that project which helps to young people engaged and stay in the community.
He also commented on the businesses who have been renovating their storefronts to create a more attractive shopping district downtown.
Reflecting back on his campaign, Rusnak said people told him to win the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding, all that was needed was a majority vote from Thunder Bay.
“I said to everyone then, ‘How does Thunder Bay feel when Toronto gets all the attention? If the west is ignored, we feel the same way,” he remarked.
“Thankfully Thunder Bay had a mayor that was very combative at the time and I love coming out here, so I formed great relationships out here and I think I can call most of you all friends . . . it’s been a pleasure representing the region and seeing it from bad news to good news.”
Rusnak has family in Fort Frances and said after he leaves office he will be sure to visit the district and pop into the town’s office.
The federal election is slated for Oct. 21 and currently Linda Rydholm is the PC candidate, Marcus Powlowski is running for the Liberals, and Yuk-Sem Won is representing the NDP.
