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Winnipeg Jets co-owner Mark Chipman is endorsing Scott Gillingham for mayor, despite regretting having endorsed a mayoral candidate over 10 years ago.
Chipman is quoted in a post on Gillingham’s social media as saying, “I’ve seen Scott’s commitment to building a vibrant downtown and city. I have confidence in his leadership and am proud to endorse him for another term as Mayor.”
Chipman is executive chairman and governor of True North Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Winnipeg Jets. He endorsed Winnipeg mayoral candidate Brian Bowman in 2014. Bowman won and was re-elected in 2018.
A public feud erupted between the two after Bowman made suggestions a property development deal — which has since turned into True North Square — between True North and CentreVenture in downtown Winnipeg was made with a lack of transparency.
Chipman said Bowman was out of line to imply the deal was dishonest or made behind closed doors, and that he regretted having publicly endorsed Bowman.
“I was uncomfortable publicly endorsing a politician,” Chipman said in 2015. “I didn’t think it was my place. Let’s be honest, the reason I got asked is because of the profile that’s come from being in this city in the National Hockey League.”
CBC News reached out to Chipman for comment. However, a spokesperson said they don’t have anything to add beyond what was in the social media post.
In a post on Gillingham’s social media on Monday, Chipman is quoted saying, ‘I’ve seen Scott’s commitment to building a vibrant downtown and city. I have confidence in his leadership and am proud to endorse him for another term as Mayor.’ (Scott Gillingham/Instagram)
In a statement to CBC, Gillingham said he’s grateful for Chipman’s support and that they both believe in the city and what it can become.
“Mark has done so much for Winnipeg. Over the last four years, we’ve built a really strong relationship and worked together on some big projects, like Portage Place, but also on tough issues like homelessness, where he puts a lot of his time and energy,” he said in the statement.
“I think we both see a downtown that’s going to look and feel very different in just a few years, with more people, more activity and some really exciting projects taking shape.”
In a social media post Sunday, Gillingham also touted having former Canadian women’s soccer star Desiree Scott’s endorsement. She is also co-founder of Winnipeg’s Northern Super League team.
Eleven other candidates are running for mayor: Don Woodstock, Mike Vogiatzakis, Noah Redden, Joshua Pagdato, Kevin Klein, Umar Hayat, Brad Gross, Johnny Calderon, Tracey Drexler, Chris Clacio and Mazher Alam.