Pierre Leroux Grant Crack
EMBRUN — Mayor of Russell Township, Pierre Leroux announced today that he will seek the Ontario Liberal Party nomination in Glengarry-Prescott-Russell.
Leroux, a committed public servant, former volunteer firefighter and small business owner will put his experience and passion for his community to work at Queen’s Park.
“I’ve been calling Russell Township my home for the past 17 years,” said Leroux. “There is no better place to raise a family or run a business than Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. People here in GPR deserve a provincial representative who understands the challenges that we all face, and more importantly, someone who understands the opportunities that our area has to offer. I am someone who is committed to making our lives easier and more affordable. Premier Kathleen Wynne is making historic investments that will help our community, like free prescriptions for young people and seniors, and universal childcare for toddlers. If nominated as the Ontario Liberal candidate, I would be a fierce advocate for our families, so that we have the support we need.”
Leroux is running to replace current Member of Provincial Parliament, Grant Crack, who has served as MPP for the riding since 2011. “Everyone around here knows Grant,” said Leroux. “He has done a great job representing our community and I want to wish him well in whatever he decides to do next. I want to pick up where Grant left off and continue to push for investments that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Grant Crack, MPP of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, issued the following statement:
“Earlier this year I advised Premier Wynne that I would not be a candidate in the upcoming election.
After careful consideration and heartfelt discussions with my family, I concluded that the time is right to seek out other career opportunities. This was a very difficult decision.
I have had the privilege of serving my community and the Province of Ontario as a political leader for over 17 years. During this time I have developed numerous relationships with political colleagues, community stakeholders and established friendships of which I am grateful and will miss on a day-to-day basis.
I want to thank the great people of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell for giving me the opportunity to represent them in the riding locally and also as their voice at Queen’s Park.
I look forward to assisting the next Liberal candidate in the upcoming campaign and I am confident that GPR will remain red. I am also confident that my Liberal colleagues under the forward thinking leadership of Premier Kathleen Wynne will form a majority government on June 7.”
Leroux is a proud husband and father of three. In 2001, his family moved to Russell Township and opened their first small business in Embrun. In 2010, he expanded his business to Casselman, the same year he successfully ran to become a councillor for the Township. Following the tragic loss of friend and colleague JP St. Pierre in 2014, Leroux became Mayor for Russell Township.
