Liz Bevan
Rossland News
The New Democrats of South Okanagan-West Kootenay (SOWK) have voted in their federal candidate.
After a weekend vote, local members of the NDP voted for Richard “Dick” Cannings to run on behalf of the party for the 2015 federal election.
The Penticton native is an avid birder, author, environmentalist and biologist with experience in government and says he will do his best to represent the SOWK electoral district.
“I look forward to taking the campaign throughout the riding in the months to come,” he said. “I’m humbled to be nominated and excited to be part of Tom Mulcair’s team, offering Canadians a real alternative to the Harper Conservatives in the 2015 election.”
If he is elected by voters in the SOWK riding, Cannings will replace four-term NDP Member of Parliament Alex Atamanenko.
Thomas Mulcair, federal NDP leader, says Cannings is the right choice for the job.
“A brilliant mind, Dick’s commitment to his community and the environment are indisputable,” he said in a release issued after the vote. “Alex is leaving some big shoes to fill, but there is no question the people in this riding will be extremely well served by Dick Cannings.”
Party members gathered in Grand Forks on Saturday to cast their ballots after hearing a final campaign pitch from both Cannings and his opponent, Margaret Maximenko. Voters who were unable to be at the meeting were given the opportunity to to vote by mail, or online.