East Ferris mayor announces intention to run in the next federal election under the Liberal banner

Pauline Rochefort, Mayor of the Municipality of East Ferris, has officially launched her campaign to seek the Liberal Party nomination for the federal riding of Nipissing-Timiskaming. (Supplied/Pauline Rochefort)

Pauline Rochefort, Mayor of the Municipality of East Ferris, has officially launched her campaign to seek the Liberal Party nomination for the federal riding of Nipissing-Timiskaming.

Rochefort made the announcement on Saturday, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag.

“There has never been a more opportune moment to proudly proclaim our citizenship and stand up for Canada,” she said during her campaign kickoff at the East Ferris Carnival.

Rochefort has over 30 years of experience in economic development, finance and business strategy along with a long history of community service. She has served as Mayor of East Ferris since 2018 and is currently in her second term. During her tenure, she has spearheaded initiatives such as the creation of a new medical office, pharmacy and municipal recreational facilities.

“It would be a privilege to represent the citizens of Nipissing-Timiskaming,” Rochefort said during her remarks on Feb. 15.

Rochefort pledged to address the high cost of living and advocate for regional investments and job creation.

Rochefort’s campaign has garnered support from outgoing Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota, who called her “the right person to move us forward,” in a news release.

Rota, who resigned as Speaker of the House of Commons last fall amid a controversy, had previously announced he would not seek re-election.

Rochefort’s deep roots in the region trace back to the late 1800s, when her family settled in Astorville, Ont. Her career includes roles at the Business Development Bank of Canada and as President of the Canadian Wood Council, where she championed Canadian wood products during a challenging period for the industry.

Her campaign will be co-chaired by Michel Champagne and Dan Cleroux. Rochefort’s 94-year-old father, Bernard Rochefort, founder of BRL Limited, has been named honorary campaign chair.

Rochefort said she is committed to collaboration and community-building.

“I will work tirelessly to advance the dreams and aspirations of Nipissing-Timiskaming,” she said.

Last February, Conservative Party of Canada selected Cassidy Villeneuve, who was originally from Iroquois Falls and raised in North Bay, as their candidate for Nipissing-Timiskaming in the next election.