Jonathon Liedtke – ourWindsor.ca – June 28, 2013
The Ontario Liberal Party has its candidate for the upcoming Windsor-Tecumseh by-election in which Premier Wynne will be forced to call to replace former MPP and Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan.
Jeewen Gill, a local small business owner who has been involved with the Liberals for the past 20 years explained in a telephone interview with OurWindsor.ca that he was both “excited and am very humbled.”
“I am a grassroots person and I am ready to fight for the next challenge,” said Gill. “I always say give back to the community that gives me a chance to come here and grow. Now is my time to give back to the community.”
Gill secured the nomination by defeating Remy Boulbol, the executive director of the Rose City Islamic Cultural Centre.
Exuding confidence at his electoral prospects, Gill explained that he “believe[s] there’s nothing to be difficult [about the by-election]” and that his team is “ready” and will “fight together and [is] going to win this riding back to Liberals.”
When asked whether he was concerned about his NDP opponent, local city councilor Percy Hatfield, Gill exclaimed “no” and said that he would “have to fight with Percy” to secure the riding.
Boulbol thanked both her team and friends via Facebook following the announcement of the results of the nomination.
“You made this one of the most incredible experiences of my public life, you are an inspiration to me. I cannot say enough about these amazing people,” Boulbol posted. “Your hard work was noticed by so many, and we will continue on with honesty, integrity, and the values of our incredible Liberal party in our hearts.”
Dwight Duncan also took to Facebook to express congratulations to Gill and thanks to Boulbol.
“Congratulations to Jeewen Gill on winning the Liberal nomination in Windsor Tecumseh last night,” Duncan posted to Facebook. “Look forward to campaigning with him in the days and weeks ahead. Thanks to Remy Boulbol Sirls for running a great campaign and offering herself for public service. Two people all Liberals should be proud of.”
Gill explained that he was going to focus on strengthening the party at the grassroots level by attempting to recruit more members.
“We believe in providing to people better health care, better education and a better economy,” said Gill in reference to what he considers Liberal values.
Gill expressed concern about both the NDP and Progressive Conservative parties and explained that he believes that the policies of both parties don’t work for the family class.
“We are a party for the people, who cares for the people who are willing to work with the people and who are going to work with local people,” said Gill. “I believe the party is very strong under the leadership of Wynne and that people are joining the party each and every day.”
Day one for Gill began Friday morning and he expressed that his team will both get “the ball rolling” and will “start knocking [on doors] and moving forward to winning.”
“We are getting new members who are going to run and we are going to make a Liberal government whenever the election is called,” he said.
Windsor-Tecumseh Liberals choose candidate for by-election
Jonathon Liedtke is the Features & Opinion Editor for the University of Windsor Lance Campus/Community Newspaper and a reporter for ourWindsor.ca. As a founding member and current Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, he is committed to representing, connecting, engaging with and advocating for local youth. He is also a member of Windsor’s “Punk with Horns” band The Nefidovs, and as such, is committed to enhancing and sustaining the arts community.
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