Ashcroft Councillor Jackie Tegart will be representing the BC Liberal party in the provincial election in May as she runs for the MLA’s seat in Fraser Nicola. That seat is currently held by NDP Harry Lali.
Tegart was acclaimed at a nomination meeting in Ashcroft on Jan. 19 where about 30 supporters gathered in the Central Cafe, along with Liberal Cabinet Minister Rich Coleman and Liberal party members.
Coleman told the full house that the party has been restructured under Premier Christy Clark, and that she has done a remarkable job of bridge building. The Liberal platform going into the May 14 election is jobs and economy, he said.
He added that the Liberal party was in good financial shape as it headed into the election.
Coleman read through the statues governing candidate nominations before declaring Tegart, the only candidate nominee for the riding, allaimed.
“And you’re going to kick Harry Lali’s butt,” he said, adding “and we’re going to help you any way we can.”
Ashcroft Mayor Andy welcomed everyone and vouched for her suitability, saying he believed she would be a good candidate. “It is important to have an MLA in our community,” he said.
“I believe the Liberals have done a good job of governing in difficult times,” said Tegart.
She said that she only had to look at the U.S. and even at the other provinces in order to feel lucky to be living in B.C.
“This is a critical time for B.C. to stay the course,” she said.
“I’m excited to be part of the renewal of the B.C. Liberal party.”
Tegart said she was looking forward to being the voice of Fraser Nicola. “We haven’t had a strong voice for a long time, and we have suffered for it. When I’m your MLA, your voice will be heard, I guarantee it.”
She said her next step would be to put together a campaign team from across the riding. After that, she will be holding meetings and talking to people to hear their concerns and issues.
The Liberals currently hold 45 seats, the NDP hold 36, and four MLAs sit as Independents.