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Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster will defend his seat in next year's provincial election.

“I can confirm that he is our 2017 candidate for Vernon-Monashee,” said Jillian Stead, spokesperson for the B.C. Liberal Party. “The party is working to set a nomination date for the riding.”

Foster is the Government Whip and currently a member of the environment and land use committee.

The former mayor of Lumby has successfully run twice for the Liberal party. He was first elected in May, 2009.

The election is less than a year away and will be held May 9, 2017.

The Liberals have been busy getting ready for the election.

“Our party is more organized and prepared than ever before,” said a statement on the BC Liberals' website. “We are on track to have 75 per cent of candidates nominated by our November convention.”

It also promised strong local campaigns in every riding with a comprehensive volunteer recruitment program.

A call to Eric Foster's office has not been returned.