OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, August 6, 2009 · 2 Cancer survivor handpicked to run against Raitt Continued from page 1 contest didn't sit well with wellknown Liberal Gary Zemlak of Campbellville, who was one of three men who had received green lights to contend for the riding's candidacy. "(I'm) disappointed," said Zemlak, who lost to Halton Conservative MPP Ted Chudleigh by less than 200 votes as the Liberal candidate in the last provincial election. "I've put a lot of effort and time to work in the riding." Zemlak admitted he was bothered by Ignatieff's decision, though he understood the party wants to meet its target of female candidates. "I believe the people in the riding should be represented by somebody in the riding," he said. "I still think I would have been the best choice (to beat current Halton Conservative MP Lisa Raitt)." Steve Savage, president of the Halton Liberal Riding Association said it was a "tough call" to bring in Gillis. "Appointments are never easy," said Savage. "But I think the majority of Halton Liberals will overwhelmingly support her." Oakville resident Rohit Dhamija, an Air Canada pilot also green lit by the Liberals, said he was "totally on board with" Gillis' appointment. "The whole intent is basically to get the Liberal Party back here (to Halton)," Dhamija said. Sheref El-Sabawy of Mississauga, also vying for the Halton candidacy, couldn't be reached for comment. "Part of the (nomination) process does include potential for the party to make a choice about who the candidate will be. Ultimately, as Liberals, we have the same objective," said Gillis. That is to ensure Ignatieff and the Liberals are elected to govern, she said. Gillis worked in policy and management roles in the Ontario and Nova Scotia governments before moving to PricewaterhouseCoopers and Grant Thornton. Gillis spent some of her childhood in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and vied to be the Liberal candidate in the riding of Bras d'Or-Cape Breton in 2000, losing the nomination to current MP Rodger Cuzner. In Nova Scotia's 2003 provincial elections, Gillis was the Liberal candidate in Inverness, but lost to Progressive Conservative Rodney MacDonald, who ended up becoming that province's Premier in 2006. The political science graduate has also volunteered and is a breast cancer survivor, and patient representative on the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario. Gillis said she plans to begin consulting residents in Halton about their issues however she expects concerns will include growth, roads, the environment, schools and day care. "I'm really excited to get out to all different nooks and crannies of Halton, and while I'm doing that, it's going to give me and my husband an opportunity to get a sense of what part of the riding we'd like to build our home in," she added. The current Conservative federal government can continue to govern until 2013 as long as it commands the confidence of the House of Commons, but as a minority government, it isn't expected to last that long. The Halton riding includes Milton, north Oakville and north Burlington. Former Conservative MP Garth Turner ran as the Liberal candidate in 2008, but lost to Raitt, who had been appointed to the riding herself. HOPEDALE MALL Tren Foot Trendz A wide variety of footwear to fit a wide variety of feet. Get 3 pairs of socks FREE with purchase of New Balance shoes WE ALSO OFFER: ® ® When it comes to your feet, we are the fit experts. We have the widest variety of sizes and great styles to choose from, so your feet always leave happy. newbalance.com mention this ad & receive mention this ad & receive eceive SUMMER SPECIAL FOR KIDS Bring in your passing report card, and receive your second game for FREE. (valid to August 31st). Why not join a Fall Bowling League? 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