HAY RIVER
Hay River will have two new MLAs as a wave of political change in Canada continues to roll.

In the Nov. 23 territorial election, Wally Schumann defeated 20-year incumbent Jane Groenewegen in Hay River South in a three-way race.

In Hay River North, Rocky (R.J.) Simpson ousted Robert Bouchard, who had been MLA for four years, also in a three-way contest.

"I knew it was going to be close," said Schumann on election night.

"Jane always runs a strong campaign. She's a veteran, so you have to work hard to get to this point. I guess people just want a change at the end of the day."

Schumann, a Hay River businessperson, had never run for MLA before, although he considered it four years ago. Since then, he served two years as vice-president and two years as president of the Hay River Metis Government Council.

Those leadership roles influenced his decision to run for MLA.

"It's the same issues. It's just a little smaller scale. So I knew I could get things done," he explained.

As is tradition, Groenewegen made her way to Schumann's victory celebration at the Caribou Centre on election night.

"It was a decisive win for Mr. Schumann, and I congratulate him," she said.

"This is what democracy is all about. The people have spoken and I accept that."

She said she thinks people wanted a change, adding she knew that was a possibility when she decided to seek re-election.

Groenewegen plans to remain active in the community.

"I'm going to be as involved as ever, just not as MLA now," she said.

Groenewegen also reflected on her "amazing journey" of 20 years in the legislative assembly.

"It was a very good, long run," she said, admitting to mixed emotions now that it is over. "Now, I guess, this is kind of like retirement for me."

Schumann collected 372 votes to 274 for Groenewegen, and 142 for third-place finisher Brian Willows.

In Hay River North, Simpson, who last year graduated from the University of Alberta with a law degree, also sensed people wanted something different.

"A lot of people let me know that they were ready for a change," he said.

However, he pointed out that knocking on virtually every door in Hay River North also won votes.

"The people wanted to be listened to and they were happy that I was there to listen to their concerns," he said.

Simpson also noted the all-candidates' forum on Nov. 10 impacted his campaign.

"I think the forum did a lot for me," he said. "I think that a lot of people didn't know me very well and they related to what I was saying. At the forum, I was just trying to be honest, answer as honestly as I could, and people responded to that."

In fact, he said many people mentioned the forum to him as he was going door to door.

After offering congratulations to Simpson, Bouchard was left to wonder what happened in the election.

"Obviously, it was a little disappointing," he said.

"We wanted to serve another term and carry forward with the projects that we've been working on, but obviously the voters have chosen."

Bouchard is not sure if the results are partly due to the wave of change sweeping across Canada, instead noting Simpson ran a good campaign. The results could be because of a combination of things, said the outgoing MLA.

"We could all be second guessing that for the next little while. For now, we're just kind of reeling from the disappointment, I guess."

After 11 years on town council and four years as MLA, Bouchard does not know if he is finished with politics.

"It might not be the end. It may be," he said. "I'm not sure."

Simpson collected 375 votes compared to 252 for Bouchard, while third-place finisher Karen Felker collected 84 votes.

Now that they are headed to Yellowknife as MLAs, both Schumann and Simpson were contemplating a seat in cabinet.

"It's something I'm going to consider for sure," said Schumann.

As for Simpson, he said, "I would love a cabinet position."

The chances of Hay River getting a seat in cabinet improved with the defeat of Michael Miltenberger in Thebacha. The long-time cabinet heavyweight from Fort Smith had filled one of the two cabinet seats set aside for the southern NWT.

Mayor Brad Mapes welcomed the two new MLAs.

"I think Wally and R.J. are going to be great for our community," he said.

"Myself as mayor I know I can work with both of them pretty good."

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