Ellen Vaillancourt is hoping to represent the Liberals in the 2019 federal election.
Vaillancourt, who ran for New Westminster city council in the October 2018 civic election, will be seeking the Liberal Party of Canada's nomination in New Westminster-Burnaby.
“I was invited to run federally and I’m honoured by the encouragement that I have received from local residents and registered Liberals over the past several months,” she said in a press release. “I respect Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Liberal party’s values, and their record of accomplishments since 2015. I feel this is an incredible opportunity to serve and advocate for my community.”
Vaillancourt cites environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, affordable housing, inclusion, social justice, and continuing to support cultural and creative industries as some of her key priorities.
“I believe it is time to elect a new MP for New Westminster-Burnaby who can find real solutions within the federal government that respond to community priorities, instead of being on the outside looking in,” she said.
The Liberal riding association hasn’t set a date for the upcoming nomination, but it’s expected to take place this spring.
Vaillancourt appointed Brian Goss, former president of the New Westminster-Burnaby federal riding association, and Nancy Graham as the co-chairs of her nomination campaign team.
“As a longtime Federal Liberal, I can’t imagine we could have attracted a better candidate to seek the nomination,” Goss said in a press release. “Ellen is a 30-year resident of our community; she is bilingual and has a good grasp on the key issues facing our nation. I’m very proud to be playing a key role on her campaign team and supporting her candidacy.”
Vaillancourt, who currently works for the City of Vancouver, previously worked for international development projects and the Centre for Muslim Societies and Cultures at Simon Fraser University and volunteers to mentor new immigrants and refugees. In response to the Liberal’s campaign promise of opening Canada's doors to refugees, she hosted several Afghan refugees in 2016.
“I found that given the opportunity, people really want to assist. The experience really brought our community together.”
New Westminster-Burnaby is currently represented by NDP MP Peter Julian, who has represented New Westminster in the House of Commons since 2004. He’s currently the federal NDP’s finance critic.
