The Mayor of The Pas Steps Down Ahead of Local Election

The mayor of The Pas has resigned from his position just before the upcoming local election and has also announced that he will not be seeking re-election this fall. Andre Murphy, who was elected as the mayor of the northern Manitoba town in 2022, made the announcement online on Monday night, stating that he was stepping down with immediate effect.

In an interview with CBC News, Murphy confirmed his resignation, stating that he will not be running for re-election. The town will be without a mayor for approximately nine weeks until the new councils are elected on October 28, as no mayoral byelection will be held before then. Deputy mayor Carrie Atkinson will take on most of Murphy’s responsibilities until election day.

Murphy revealed that he had made the decision with his family the previous week and informed the council on Monday. Despite considering running for another four-year term, he had a change of heart over the summer. He emphasized his commitment to his responsibilities and explained that the decision was made after careful consideration.

Expressing his desire to spend more time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren who reside in eastern Canada, Murphy cited family as the primary reason for his resignation. He reassured the community that The Pas is in good hands and expressed confidence in the town’s council and administration to continue moving forward.

Reflecting on his time as mayor, Murphy highlighted his achievements in fostering collaboration with neighboring communities, addressing local challenges, and securing significant grants for recreational and infrastructural projects. He expressed optimism about the town’s future and the potential opportunities that lie ahead for northern Manitoba.

CBC News has sought comments from other town councillors in The Pas regarding Murphy’s resignation.