NDP chooses candidates this weekend
Unlike some local nomination meetings in which the outcome is never in doubt, this weekend’s vote by NDP members to pick a candidate for the Kamloops-North Thompson constituency is wide open.
The party will hold its local candidate nomination meetings on Saturday, July 23.
The NDP’s Kamloops-South Thompson association has only one nominee and will acclaim Tom Friedman as its candidate.
Across the river, however, party members will have to make a choice.
Kathleen Kendall, Cecile McVittie and Chad Moats are the three candidates vying for the nomination.
Kendall, a lawyer with her own practice, said her anger at the way she feels the B.C. Liberal government has treated the most vulnerable in society prompted her to enter politics.
She feels her close relationship through her work as a lawyer with those struggling with poverty will be an asset if she wins the NDP nomination.
Kendall believes the top issue facing the riding is the economy and jobs, but added that is tied into the community.
She said cuts by the provincial government in the last 10 years have made it difficult for the smaller communities in the riding.
McVittie, a teacher-librarian who has lived in Kamloops for 40 years, feels she can be a credible alternative to the B.C. Liberals and the party’s policies.
She said she brings a strong interest in the environment and looks at issues through a sustainability lens.
McVittie contends the top issue for the riding is the economy, adding it needs to provide jobs for families, but not overtax the middle class.
Moats, who is best known for leading the fight against the harmonized sales tax in the region, said he was encouraged to run to finish the battle against the tax.
“I thought I’d take up that challenge,” he said.
Moats expects a close race between the three, but noted his experience debating Kamloops-North Thompson Liberal MLA Terry Lake makes him the best candidate for the job.
Moats said the top issue for NDP members in the riding is to pick a candidate who can win and represent the party’s platform with a strong voice.
Besides picking candidates, B.C. NDP Leader Adrian Dix is also expected to make an appearance at the nomination meeting.
The day will begin with members casting ballots in Clearwater and Barriere before the final voting at the BCGEU Hall on Oriole Road in Valleyview at 3 p.m.
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