Former Prince Rupert mayor Herb Pond will take on incumbent NDP MLA Jennifer Rice for the North Coast riding after winning the B.C. Liberal nomination on Saturday.
B.C. Liberals have not released the vote count.
“Former Rupert mayor, Lax Kw’alaams band administrator, and community advocate Herb Pond has been selected by local party members as the BC Liberal candidate for North Coast in the upcoming B.C. election,” said a release by the North Coast B.C. Liberals.
“Our communities and our region are full of potential – but for that potential to be realized, we need an MLA who will work hard to deliver opportunity,” Pond said in a press release following the vote. “I’m excited to offer North Coast voters a choice that will work passionately for economic development that creates jobs and opportunity while respecting our environment.”
Pond, who served two terms as Prince Rupert mayor, worked as a community relations advisor for LNG proponent BG Canada, and has been an active community volunteer with Prince Rupert groups including Rotary, the chamber of commerce, and the economic development commission, said he was honoured to be adopted into the Eagle Clan of Lax Kw’alaams and received the name “ama goodm sgiik - kind hearted man”. He and his wife Sandy have raised their daughter and three sons on the North Coast.
“On behalf of Today’s BC Liberals, I’d like to thank all the members who came out to vote today at our candidate selection meeting. Now, the hard work of electing a strong voice for this riding begins, and we’re counting on your support.”
In his speech to B.C. Liberals on Saturday, Pond said he is in the race because there is a whole generation of young people who haven’t seen prosperity on the North Coast.
“This generation doesn’t care too much traditional politics and parties. They aren’t joiners. But they are here because they recognize that it is time for different kind of MLA,” Pond said.
“They want someone who will work with them to build our economy – their way. Someone who will get the ear of government to protect our health services, expand our transportation and housing, and renew our downtown.”
Proskiw, who campaigned on his relationship with union members, said he was disappointed but behind the B.C. Liberal flag to oust incumbent NDP MLA Jennifer Rice.
With the nomination, Pond and Rice are currently the only declared candidates for the British Columbia provincial election slated for May 9.