Longtime New Westminster resident Lorraine Brett could become the third woman in the race to become New Westminster’s next MLA.
While the local Liberal riding association couldn’t provide a date for a nomination meeting or say if other candidates will by vying to be the New Westminster candidate, Brett told the Record she will be seeking the party’s nomination. Incumbent MLA Judy Darcy will seek re-election for the NDP, while school trustee Jonina Campbell will run for the Green party in the May provincial election.
“Ideas can change the world. With B.C. growing companies like Hootsuite and attracting ones like Microsoft and Amazon, there are huge opportunities ahead for New Westminster,” Brett said in a statement to the Record. “I’m seeking the B.C. Liberal nomination because it’s the party that invests in entrepreneurs and the future – and I want that for my kids and for everybody in our community. B.C. is thriving under the B.C. Liberals, but there’s more work to do – and I want to be a part of continuing those efforts to grow our economy so we can look after our loved ones and invest in the things that matters.”
Darcy, who is the NDP’s health critic, has told the Record she’s worked tirelessly on issues of concern to New Westminster residents and repeatedly hears from constituents that B.C. “can’t afford” four more years of Christy Clark. Campbell said she chose to run for the Greens as she believes the party has the best plan for B.C.
In addition to the New Westminster riding,some New West residents will be heading to the polls in the new Richmond-Queensborough riding. To date, three candidates have been named in the new riding: Jas Johal – Liberals; Amandeep Singh – NDP; and Michael Wolfe, B.C. Green Party.
“In this election, I am running to challenge the status quo that is contributing to the declining livability of our region,” Wolfe said in a press release after being named as the riding’s candidate last week. “Science-based community decision-making (and MLA voting) must take precedence over the interests of corporations and unions. Only the B.C. Greens are walking the talk when we speak about ending unethical fundraising and lobbying practices. The Richmond-Queensborough area is where I’ve spent most of my 35 years and I care about the future of this region.”
Some folks, including former Mayor Wayne Wright, anticipate a lively race in New Westminster, considering the community profiles of the candidates.
“It’s going to be an interesting election in the city,” he recently told the Record. “I don’t think there is a debate it becomes a real race.”
Dates to remember
* April 11: The writ drops, which means parliament is dissolved and the election campaign kicks into high gear.
* May 9: British Columbians will go to the polls. To get more information and ensure you’re on the voters’ list, go to www.electionsbc.ca.
Former mayor watches election from the sidelines
Thanks but no thanks.
Former mayor Wayne Wright said he’s been approached by people encouraging him to seek the Liberal nomination in New Westminster for the provincial election, but it’s not something he’s interested in doing, partly because he votes for individuals, not parties, but also because he’s got a lot of things on the go. In addition to serving on the Vancouver Airport Authority’s board of directors, Wright is the owner of Olde World Fudge and is exploring some potential new business endeavours.
“It’s been a couple of years now,” said Wright, who left politics in 2014 after losing his bid for re-election as mayor. “I’ve got other things I am doing.”
Leaders lend a hand to local candidates
Two of the provincial parties have made stops in New West before the writ has even dropped.
In October, NDP leader John Horgan attended a fundraiser for NDP MLA Judy Darcy at La Perla Ballroom at River Market. Green Party of B.C. leader Andrew Weaver has visited the Royal City twice to support local Green candidate Jonina Campbell.
In the 2013 provincial election campaign, then-NDP leader Adrian Dix and Liberal leader Christy Clark both made pit stops in New west on the campaign trail.
Campbell campaign good for business
The upcoming provincial election is proving to be good for business for some Sapperton merchants.
Green Party candidate Jonina Campbell officially opened her campaign office on East Columbia Street on March 9. In the lead-up to the official office opening, Campbell and her team have held pub night fundraisers at Gino’s, dined at Chan’s Gardens and Freshii’s and purchased flowers from the Bloom Bloom Room.
“When we’ve been out door knocking in Sapperton, people have been very receptive and positive about the fact that we are in Sapperton,” she said. “It’s really got that neighbourhood feel. A lot of people are walking by.”
Campbell considered locations in downtown and uptown New West, but ultimately rented space at 437 East Columbia St. Once the writ drops on April 11, the office will be staffed during the daily by an office manager and Campbell will be meeting with constituents in the space.
