2021-05-19

Liberals choose Jacob Killawee to be candidate in Chester-St. Margaret’s

by KEITH CORCORAN

  • <p>FILE PHOTO</p><p>Jacob Killawee of Upper Tantallon, pictured, is the Grits&#8217; choice in the provincial riding of Chester-St. Margaret&#8217;s following a contested nomination race.</p>

Liberals in Chester-St. Margaret's chose Upper Tantallon resident and retired Royal Canadian Navy lieutenant Jacob Killawee to carry the party's banner in the next provincial election, whenever the writ is dropped.

The 40-year-old married father of one, who is running on a platform touting environmental, economic and seniors issues, previously commented to LighthouseNOW he's eager to serve his community in the same vein as he served his country.

"We are faced with a global pandemic, a climate crisis, racial inequality and a fragile economy," he told delegates during a recent online address before he secured the nomination.

"When asked why I'm running, I look to my seven-year-old daughter and the world she will grow up in, and my parents and in-laws who should age with dignity and respect. There's far too much at stake not to take action. It is now my generation's turn to assume ownership and take action on the collective challenges we face."

Killawee defeated math and science teacher Matt Morash, a married father of two from Fox Point, to become the candidate in a contested race, which wrapped up this month.

Killawee promised to represent Chester-St. Margaret's professionally, collaboratively and with compassion and commitment to enabling communities to be safe, inclusive and prosperous.

"We have to be open to working together now more than ever," he said during his nomination address, broadcast on social media.

"I am ready to get to work [and be] reassured that I will work tirelessly to provide equitable and transparent leadership. I guarantee your voice will be heard at the provincial table."

Killawee fills the Grits' candidacy vacancy in the riding, given the previous candidate, Hugh MacKay - elected MLA in 2017 - left the Liberal caucus in February 2020 due to personal circumstances.

Reached by LighthouseNOW, MacKay, who sits as an independent, indicated he has decided about whether or not to seek another term but will not go public with it until the election is called.

"I am simply focused on serving my constituents and not getting wrapped up in electioneering, which would be a total distraction now that Danielle and Jacob are off and running," he said in an email. "In the meantime, I will continue to serve the constituents of beautiful Chester-St. Margaret's to the best of my ability."

MacKay won the seat in 2017 with about 35 per cent of the popular vote, edging out former NDP cabinet minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse by 91 votes.

Danielle Barkhouse, a civic politician in the Municipality of Chester, is the Progressive Conservative candidate in the riding.

As of this writing, the NDP have yet to confirm a candidate.

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