Former Brandon Police Chief Wayne Balcaen is not done with public life just yet, he announced this week he’ll seek the Progressive Conservative nomination in Brandon West.
In making the announcement on Monday (June 26), Balcaen said he had worked to make a difference locally as a police officer, and believes he can continue doing that as a member of the Manitoba PC party.
He had served as a Brandon police officer for 33 years, with six of those years as chief. Balcaen had stepped down from the force on June 23.
James Montgomery, the former director of the Riverbank Discovery Centre, had also been seeking the nomination, but announced on Tuesday morning (June 27) that he’s dropping out to support Balcaen.
A media release stated that “Montgomery announced his intentions to run for the PC Party nomination in Brandon West on February 14, 2023. The party approved him to be a nomination candidate on March 5, 2023. No rival emerged until former Brandon Police Chief, Wayne Balcaen announced that he is seeking the nomination on June 26, 2023.
“Today, I am withdrawing my nomination, and fully supporting Wayne Balcaen for the candidacy, Montgomery said.”
“I have offered Wayne my full support and assistance as he campaigns this summer. I will be out door knocking and helping Wayne anyway I can, Montgomery added.”
Montgomery would like to thank his supporters, mentors and everyone who purchased a membership to the PC Party in support of his candidacy. He is hopeful that everyone who supported him will now throw their support and enthusiasm behind Wayne for MLA.” The Tories have yet to set a date for a nomination meeting.
Brandon West has been held by Reg Helwar since 2011, but he said earlier this year he won’t be running again.
Manitobans are scheduled to head to the polls on October 3rd.
