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Meet the candidates for P.G.-Valemount

Shirley Bond Family lies at the heart of all that Shirley Bond has accomplished in her 16-year career as MLA for Prince George-Valemount. "I owe so much to my family and for their support.
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Prince George-Valemount candidates Shirley Bond (Liberal), Natalie Fletcher (NDP) and Nan Kendy (Green) are seen in a Citizen composite image.

Shirley Bond

Family lies at the heart of all that Shirley Bond has accomplished in her 16-year career as MLA for Prince George-Valemount.

"I owe so much to my family and for their support. And I come from a family that always liked to explore new ideas and opinions. My parents wanted us to look at the world around us," Bond said.

Bond was elected in 2001 and 2005 as the MLA for Prince George-Mount Robson, and re-elected in 2009 and 2013 as the MLA for Prince George-Valemount.

With more than 15 years of cabinet experience, Bond has served as Deputy Premier, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister of Education, Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy, Minister of Advanced Education, Minister of Health Services, and was the first woman to hold the position of Attorney General in British Columbia.

Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, she served three terms on School District 57's board of trustees.

"I want B.C. to be a great place for my grandsons. I've had a degree of benefit here that many haven't had and I want possibility and opportunity here. Kids need options in B.C. and running again was very much about the future of my grandsons. I chose to invest in their future, in Prince George, a place of hope and opportunity and in a place where they will want to stay," Bond said.

Bond has been married to her husband Bill for more than 30 years.

The couple has two adult children and two grandsons.

"I've always said that you have a place set aside in your heart for grand kids and it's true. My family is the ultimate pleasure for me," Bond said.

And why does Bond think she is up for the job again?

"Most people will not argue that I work hard. I am actively engaged in community events and I think it's important to respect these people and their events. What I can assure is that I will do my job with the same vigour, determination and hard work," Bond said.

Natalie Fletcher

Natalie Fletcher, the NDP candidate for the riding of Prince George-Valemount, wants her voice heard.

"I've been advocating for people my whole life. Even as a kid. When other kids were in trouble, I would bring them home," she said.

And that advocacy for social justice continues to drive her as Fletcher, a union activist in Prince George, decided to run in the 2017 provincial election.

"I have spent the last 10 years in healthcare and I continue to fight for better conditions," she said.

Fletcher is married with two children, both adults. She is currently the Hospital Employees Union representative for Northern Health's disability management program.

"I'm passionate about transgender issues, seniors, those with disabilities and education," she said.

"Education is key for our children. People want the same opportunities for their kids that they had. The current liberal government has failed to create good paying jobs for northerners in B.C."

"I'm approachable, I'm passionate, and when I get a fire in my belly, I am passionate about people and the NDP government cares about people."

"I decided to run because of my activism in the community and in healthcare and being involved in politics, that's where it all starts. That's why I'm here," she said.

"I'm motivated when I know that people aren't treated fairly or if I know life could be better for them. It's all about fairness and equality."

And for Fletcher, it's also just as much about the normal working class northerner.

"With current changes in forestry policies, people are struggling in the north and we need to put the people of B.C. first especially in the north where we have all the resources," she said.

"I think people should vote for me because I'm a strong advocate, I care about people and I think it's important more than ever to have a voice here in the north."

Nan Kendy

The environment needs attention and for Nan Kendy, the Green Party candidate for MLA in the riding of Prince George Valemeount, it's all about taking action now before it's too late.

"We need to promote health and well being and the present government just isn't measuring up," Kendy said.

"Issues like climate change are accelerating at a high rate. Things need to change. We need a good relationship with the earth, land, water and animals for survival."

Kendy is retired as an instructor at UNBC at the School of Education. Prior to that, she spent 20 years as an educator in Smithers where she met her husband before moving to Prince George in 2006.

"I went back to school later in life and received a masters degree in education and aboriginal and environmental studies," Kendy said.

As a wife, mother and grandmother with two grandchildren on the way this summer, Kendy continues to be dedicated to conserving water where she lives on West Lake where she serves as president of the community association.

"I took a course, the B.C. Lake Stewardship, and I am now involved with water monitoring," she said.

"The community pulled together and for years, we have monitored the lake for things like oxygen, temperature and water clarity. I really care about the water and we need to respect it."

Along with a passion for water, Kendy has a passion for gardening that she began to discover shortly after retiring.

"I'm so happy to be able to produce my own food. It's so exciting," Kendy said.

"To preserve our agricultural lands is so important to bringing food security to B.C."

Kendy has always been a proud supporter of the Green Party.

"But four years ago, I went to vote and there was no Green Party candidate. I wanted to cry. I wanted a better choice," Kendy said.

"So this time round I knew that I had to get more involved in promoting the Green Party in the north. And it's timely for the party because the environment is in such a state."