He resigned to pursue a political career
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Ben Fox is leaving his post as president of Manitoba Beef Producers to pursue a career in federal politics.
Fox, who was elected the organization’s president in February 2017, announced his resignation yesterday to enter a by-election to become the Member of Parliament for the riding of Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa.
Manitoba Beef Producers thanked Fox for his service and noted that Tom Teichroeb will assume the role of president until a new one is chosen, the organization said in a statement yesterday. The farm group will meet on Aug. 28 to discuss filling the vacancy.
Fox is seeking the Conservative Party’s nomination as an MP. Current MP Robert Sopuck announced in May that he will not seek re-election next year.
Resigning from his position with the Manitoba Beef Producers was not an easy decision, he said, but the timing seemed right to throw his hat into the political arena.
“I really look at it as a very exciting time to be a Conservative and to be in this riding,” he told The Brandon Sun yesterday. “I plan on showcasing my differences and being able to let folks know what I’m all about, and hopefully end up with the win.”
To win the nomination, Fox will have to defeat one of his provincial ag colleagues.
Dan Mazier, who was first elected president of Keystone Agricultural Producers in 2015, announced his resignation from the position on July 6 to seek the same seat for the Conservative Party.
Despite the differences between being a lobbyist and a politician, Mazier says he will bring his communication style to the House of Commons.
“I have an ability to get my opinion heard,” he told The Brandon Sun on July 10. “You ask anyone around a board table where I’ve sat; they know what I’m thinking, and I won’t sit on my hands.”