![](/content/2018/10/dotru7auuaavlj8_p3342964.jpg)
The federal Liberal party in South Okanagan—West Kootenay has acclaimed Connie Denesiuk as its candidate in the 2019 election.
This is Denesiuk’s second try at federal politics, as she ran in the riding for the Liberals in 2015 picking up 28 per cent of the vote, third behind Conservative Marshall Neufeld and winning NDP candidate Richard Cannings.
Her performance was a drastic improvement from 2011, when the Liberals took just 3.8 per cent in the former riding of B.C. Southern Interior.
“I am honoured to serve as our 2019 Liberal candidate for South Okanagan—West Kootenay, and I’m ready to work with Justin Trudeau to create good new jobs, strengthen our middle class, and grow our economy,” said Denesiuk in a news release. “I will work every day to earn the trust of every family in our region, and to bring our ideas and voices to Ottawa.”
Denesiuk grew up in Penticton and has owned a construction business for the past 38 years. She also sat on the Okanagan Skaha School Board for almost two decades during which time she was on the executive of the B.C. School Trustees Association. She served two terms as Chair of the Board of Governors for Okanagan College and has been completing a Masters degree in Leadership Studies with Royal Roads University.
She will run against NDP MP Richard Cannings and Penticton city councillor Helena Konanz, who has been acclaimed by the Conservatives.