April Hourie will be the City of Selkirk’s Deputy Mayor for the next two years following her election to the position by her fellow councillors.
“I thank my fellow colleagues for supporting me in this position,” Hourie said.
“It continues to be an honour to serve my community and it’s nice to have the confidence to do this role from a great group of people.”
Most municipal councils in Manitoba have the mayor or reeve appoint a council member as the deputy mayor for the full term of council (4 years), but Selkirk Council elects one member to serve as Deputy Mayor typically for a period of two years.
Mayor Larry Johannson says Selkirk’s process is more democratic and gives the Deputy Mayor position more value because it means that the person holding the position has the confidence and support of their fellow council members.
Hourie replaces John Buffie, who has served as Deputy Mayor twice.
Johannson said he knows Hourie will do well in her new position.
“I congratulate Deputy Mayor Hourie on this appointment. She is entering her third term on Selkirk council and she has the experience and knowledge that is necessary for the position,” Johannson said.
“Deputy Mayor Hourie has more than proven herself to be a valuable member of this council. April takes her election to council seriously, she studies the issues before meetings, she takes the time to know what’s coming before us week to week and she asks questions and provides input. She will be an excellent Deputy Mayor.”
Coun. Buffie also extended his congratulations to his successor.
“I’ve known Deputy Mayor Hourie for many years and I know she will do well in this position. As a councillor, April has shown that she’s up to the task, she knows the issues and she’s interested in learning, she’s open to hearing opposing views and that’s important. She’s a team player and she has the confidence of council behind her,” Buffie said.
For Hourie, being re-elected allows council to continue the good work they’ve been doing over the last couple of terms.
“This Council has set the path on some significant strategies in place from operations-to management plans-to updating organizational frameworks,” she said.
“What’s exciting about these plans is they are done with fiscal care for sustainability and with enhanced community engagement. It’s these initiatives I am most proud to contribute to, as they are helping families in Selkirk have a better place to live, work and play.”
Hourie is Chair of the city’s Audit Committee and she’s excited about a new appointment to the Age Friendly Committee.
