Ken McDonald (politician)

Ken McDonald

MP Ken McDonald in November 2016
Member of Parliament
for Avalon
Assumed office
October 19, 2015
Preceded by Scott Andrews
Mayor of Conception Bay South
In office
September 24, 2013  2015
Preceded by Woodrow French
Succeeded by Stephen Tessier
Personal details
Born June 1959 (age 57)
Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, Canada
Political party Liberal Party of Canada (2015-present)
Occupation Repairman, Politician
Website Official website

Kenneth Joseph McDonald (born June 1959) is a Canadian politician who is the MP for the riding of Avalon, and the former mayor of Conception Bay South, the second largest municipality in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.[1][2][3]

Municipal politics

McDonald was Conception Bay South's councillor for Ward 3 from 1993-1996 and from 2009-2013.[4] McDonald unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2005 against Woodrow French, coming second out of four candidates.[1][5] On September 24, 2013, McDonald defeated French 3273 votes to 1703 during that year's municipal elections.[1][6][7]

In April 2015, McDonald threatened to block Nalcor Energy's heavy trucks from using roads in Conception Bay South during the construction at Muskrat Falls for the Lower Churchill Project.[8] After negotiations, the trucks were allowed as long as drivers drove below the speed limit and Nalcor repaired any damage.[9]

In 2014, McDonald closed a deal for a new town hall, which along with a stadium and fire house, account for $40 million of facilities scheduled to be completed in Fall 2015, of which C.B.S. would be responsible for $13.2 million.[10][11] As a councillor in 2010, McDonald opposed a $20 million plan to build a larger town hall because he prioritized other issues such as access to water and sewage services.[12]

Federal politics

McDonald was the Liberal candidate for the riding of Avalon in the 2015 Canadian federal election, replacing Scott Andrews, who was ejected from caucus in March 2015 after allegations of sexual misconduct.[13] McDonald was elected with over 55% of the vote, defeating Andrews, who finished second.[3]

Personal life

McDonald has lived in Conception Bay South his entire life.[4] Outside politics McDonald runs a home appliance repair business.[1] He has a son, born in 1986.[1]

Electoral history

Canadian federal election, 2015
Party Candidate Votes%∆%Expenditures
LiberalKen McDonald 23,528 55.90 +22.72
IndependentScott Andrews 7,501 17.82 –15.36
New DemocraticJeannie Baldwin 6,075 14.43 –14.10
ConservativeLorraine E. Barnett 4,670 11.10 –25.99
GreenKrista Byrne-Puumala 228 0.54 –0.09
Strength in DemocracyJennifer McCreath 84 0.20
Total valid votes/Expense limit 42,086100.0   $207,308.50
Total rejected ballots 1620.38–0.07
Turnout 42,24862.33+5.56
Eligible voters 67,781
Liberal gain from Independent Swing +19.04
Source: Elections Canada[14][15]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Pennell, Josh (28 September 2013). "20 Questions: Ken McDonald". The St. John's Telegram. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  2. "C.B.S. Mayor Ken McDonald seeking federal Liberal nomination in Avalon". CBC. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  3. 1 2 Roberts, Terry (20 October 2015). "Ken McDonald says 'we knew it would be a big win'". CBC News. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  4. 1 2 "Mayor Ken McDonald". Enterprise Conception Bay South. 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  5. "Issues and Answers: Ken McDonald". NTV. 5 October 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  6. "Upsets and returning champs in municipal elections". CBC News. 25 September 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2015.
  7. "C.B.S. Mayor One of Many Incumbents Defeated". NTV. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  8. "C.B.S. Mayor Ken McDonald preparing to square off with Nalcor". CBC News. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  9. "Ken McDonald giving Nalcor a chance for work in C.B.S.". CBC News. 10 April 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  10. Rahman, Habibur (10 March 2014). "NL: Conception Bay South plans to build new town hall; tender to be awarded soon". Atlantic Construction News. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  11. MacEachern, Daniel (12 September 2014). "NL: $40M in new projects for C.B.S. in 2015". The Nova Scotia Business Journal. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  12. "Budget doubles for C.B.S town hall". CBC News. 15 March 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  13. "Scott Andrews controversy will not be campaign issue, says Liberal Ken McDonald". CBC News. 12 August 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  14. "October 19, 2015 Election Results — Avalon (Validated results)". Elections Canada. 21 October 2015. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  15. Elections Canada – Preliminary Election Expenses Limits for Candidates
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