Photo: Flickr/BC gov't

Murmurs about potential provincial election candidates in Kamloops are giving way to plenty of conversations, though the slate probably won’t shake out until fall.

To no one’s surprise, the Liberals announced Tuesday that they have acclaimed incumbent and cabinet minister Todd Stone to run in Kamloops-South Thompson. Stone had indicated earlier that he intended to seek a second term.

Stone said another Liberal government in Victoria, a fifth consecutive term for the free enterprise party, would be best for the Interior.

“The NDP say they represent everyday British Columbians, and they say they have a plan for jobs and families, but the problem is the NDP have rejected many key industries that get people working, such as those involved in resource extraction, that drive job creation in communities like Kamloops,” said Stone.

His candidacy has the endorsement of colleague, Health Minister Terry Lake, though Lake has yet to decide whether he wants to go for a third term in Kamloops-North Thompson, a closer contest than the south.

What is certain is that the Green Party is back in the race in Kamloops with their intentions underscored at an AGM Monday night. The party, which won its first seat in 2013 with the election of MLA Andrew Weaver, ran no candidates in Kamloops in that election. This time, one has already signalled his intention to run.

“There’s a lot more energy,” said Dan Hines, an Anglican priest and facilitator with deep roots in the Kamloops area. Weaver’s success in the legislature has opened the door to the possibility of overcoming historic polarization between two parties in the province, Hines said.

“I think we’re getting past this idea of splitting the vote,” Hines said, suggesting that may have been a factor affecting candidate decisions last time.

On Monday, Tyler Carpentier, a former federal Liberal campaign manager, was elected Green riding association president in Kamloops South.

“As progressive Federal Liberals many of us have for quite some time found no option that feels good in BC until now,” Carpentier said. “The B.C. Greens, under Andrew Weaver, are as close to liberal as one can find in the province these days."  

“A growing wave of green interest has been swelling since the successful campaign by BC green MLA Andrew Weaver three and a half years ago. Dr. Weaver's work in the BC legislature has received noteworthy acclaim throughout the province,” suggested local Kamloops City Councillor Donovan Cavers.

In the NDP camp, work is well underway to nominate candidates in both constituency associations by late fall, said Peter Northcott, Kamloops-South Thompson president.

Tom Friedman has made it clear he won’t be running a third time in the south.

“I just feel we need a new face and someone who will bring more youthful energy to the campaign,” Friedman said. “This is going to be a very challenging campaign, although I think we have a good chance of winning in Kamloops South.”

A number of New Democrats have expressed interest in running in the north and one applicant has submitted an application for vetting, said Michael Crawford, a former federal candidate.

Even if they had a candidate at this stage, they wouldn’t be able to nominate at this point due to an Elections B.C. requirement affecting all associations as a result of electoral boundary revisions. Each association has to de-register, re-register and hold new executive elections. 

The Greens were first out of the gate with Monday’s meeting and others are to follow in coming weeks. About 35 people attended the joint-riding AGM, including former City councillor Nancy Bepple and Gina Morris, founder of Kamloops Moms for Clean Air.

B.C. Conservatives, meanwhile, have set their leadership convention for Sept. 16-17 in Prince George. Former leader Dan Brooks announced in January that he was stepping down after two years. Former city councillor Peter Sharpe ran for the Conservatives in Kamloops south while Ed Klop ran in Kamloops north in 2013.

– NewsKamloops.com