Lela Evans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lela Evans
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| Member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly for Torngat Mountains |
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| Assumed office May 16, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Randy Edmunds |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Makkovik |
| Political party | Progressive Conservative (2019–2021, 2024–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (2021–2022) New Democratic (2022–2024) |
| Relations | Anthony Andersen (uncle) Wally Andersen (uncle) Randy Edmunds (cousin) |
| Alma mater | Memorial University of Newfoundland |
Lela Margaret Ann Evans is a Canadian politician. She was elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly in the 2019 provincial election. She represents the area called Torngat Mountains.
She was first elected as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. Later, she left that party in 2021. In 2022, she joined the New Democratic Party. She returned to the Progressive Conservatives in 2024. Lela Evans was re-elected in the 2021 election.
Before becoming a politician, Evans worked for over 20 years in environmental protection. This included work on environmental studies, mining, and construction projects.
About Lela Evans
Lela Evans was born in Makkovik. This is a community located in Nunatsiavut, which is a special Inuit region in Labrador. She has both Norwegian and Inuit family roots. Her mother is Annie Evans, and her aunt is Ruth Flowers, a well-known activist.
Evans has worked in different roles. She was a first-aid instructor. She also worked at the Voisey's Bay Mine. She was part of a team that talked to communities about a rule against uranium mining in northern Labrador. She studied at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Her Political Journey
In an interview, Lela Evans shared that she had to leave her job to run for election in 2019. This was because her employer would not let her take time off for the campaign.
She ran as the Progressive Conservative candidate. She was running against her cousin, Randy Edmunds, who was already a Member of the House of Assembly (MHA). Evans won the election, which was a surprise to many. She has said that she sees herself as a "progressive" politician. This means she supports ideas that aim to improve society and protect the environment.
Evans has spoken about the need to extend the Trans-Labrador Highway. This would help connect more communities in northern Labrador.
On October 25, 2021, Evans left the Progressive Conservative Party. She then served as an Independent member in the House of Assembly. On March 7, 2022, she joined the New Democratic Party. However, on July 16, 2024, she rejoined the Progressive Conservative Party. She said that the new PC leader, Tony Wakeham, was a good "ally" and "friend."
Election Wins
Lela Evans has won two elections to become a Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) for Torngat Mountains.
In the 2019 Newfoundland and Labrador general election, she won against Randy Edmunds. She received 623 votes, which was about 56.58% of the total votes.
In the 2021 Newfoundland and Labrador general election, she was re-elected. She received 420 votes, which was about 88.79% of the total votes.
