The mayor of The Pas has stepped down from his position just a few weeks before the upcoming election and has also decided not to seek re-election this fall. Andre Murphy, who was initially elected as the mayor of the northern Manitoba town in 2022, announced his resignation online on Monday night, indicating that he was resigning as mayor with immediate effect.
Murphy confirmed his resignation to CBC News, stating that he will not be running for re-election. With his departure, The Pas will be without a mayor for nine weeks until the town, along with most other municipalities in Manitoba, elects new councils on October 28. There will be no mayoral by-election held before the scheduled election day. Deputy mayor Carrie Atkinson will take on most of Murphy’s daily responsibilities until the election.
The former mayor revealed that he and his family reached the decision to resign last week, and he informed the council of his decision on Monday. Despite contemplating running for another four-year term, he had a change of heart over the summer. Murphy explained that once he commits to something, he is fully dedicated and cannot simply walk away from the responsibility.
Expressing his desire to spend more time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren in eastern Canada, Murphy emphasized his long-standing connection to The Pas, where he has resided for over 50 years. Reflecting on his tenure as mayor, he highlighted achievements such as fostering closer relationships with neighboring communities and government bodies, addressing obstacles for locals, and securing significant funding for recreational and infrastructural projects.
Murphy expressed confidence in the town’s council and administration to continue the progress made during his term, stating that The Pas is in capable hands. He remains optimistic about the town’s future, citing upcoming opportunities that could reshape northern Manitoba. CBC News attempted to contact town councillors in The Pas for their response to Murphy’s resignation.