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Lora Meseman has won the Transcona ward seat on Winnipeg city council, defeating incumbent Russ Wyatt by a margin of 460 votes in Wednesday’s municipal election. Wyatt, who faces multiple sexual assault charges, finished a distant fourth place with just under 11 per cent of the vote.
Meseman Claims Victory in Transcona
Speaking with 680 CJOB after her win, Meseman described herself as “excited and honoured” to represent the community. She outlined her priorities clearly. “The biggest thing is making sure the ward knows what we’re doing at city hall. Communication is a big thing, and being present,” she said.
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Meseman finished just ahead of Shawn Nason, who previously held the Transcona seat from 2018 to 2022. After the result was called, Wyatt spoke briefly with Global News and wished Meseman well.
Wyatt’s Legal Troubles Overshadowed Campaign
Wyatt faced two separate arrests over the past year. Police first arrested him in March on charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a man. Authorities also charged him with administering a noxious thing with intent to aggrieve or annoy.
Then, in August, police announced a second sexual assault allegation. That case involves a man Wyatt allegedly met in July 2023. In connection with that incident, Wyatt faces charges of providing a noxious substance to endanger life or cause bodily harm, as well as sexually assaulting the man at a home in southwest Winnipeg.
Wyatt has maintained his innocence throughout. However, he acknowledged that the allegations likely influenced the election outcome. “I know I’m going to be okay. If you tell a lie you have to remember a lie, but if you tell the truth and you know the truth, it comes from your heart,” he said. “I ran knowing that fact.”
Push to Change City Charter
Wyatt’s situation exposed a gap in Winnipeg’s governing legislation. Currently, the City of Winnipeg Charter Act does not prevent individuals facing criminal charges from serving as elected officials or running for office.
Days after Wyatt’s August arrest, Mayor Scott Gillingham announced plans to bring a motion to city council to amend the city charter. The exact details of those changes will be worked out after the civic election. Any revisions to the charter will also require approval from the Manitoba government.
Meanwhile, Meseman prepares to take on her new role representing Transcona at city hall. Her win marks a significant shift for the ward, ending Wyatt’s long tenure as its councillor.
