In what has been called the worst-kept secret in local federal politics, 21-year veteran MP Dick Harris stepped down Saturday and put the strength of his support behind Todd Doherty.
Doherty, formerly 2015 Canada Winter Games' director of revenue generation, officially announced his intentions the same day, making him the third official contender for the Tory bid in the Cariboo-Prince George riding.
Neither Doherty's confirmed competitors, Nick Fedorkiw Gerald Caron, were surprised by the announcement.
"It was something that was known in the circles," said Caron, a 47-year-old teacher in Vanderhoof, of Harris' retirement. "The fact that Mr. Harris is endorsing Mr. Doherty, we also knew that and know the logic behind it. It's not one that advantages me but people have their own reasons to do their own things."
Fedorkiw didn't characterize it as a disadvantage, adding it's too early to say what impact the Harris seal of approval will have, and instead points to the party's reliance on localized, widespread support.
"It's certainly his right to do that," said Fedorkiw of Harris' support of Doherty. "I'm out there trying to get support of grassroots members. One thing i would point out is one of the strengths of the Conservative Party is their commitment to the grassroots.
"The only people who will decide who the next nominee is for the Conservative Party, is members of the Conservative Party here in Cariboo PG riding," said the 35-year-old independent consultant.
Although it has been rumoured that Prince George Mayor Shari Green is going to seek the nomination, she didn't take the opportunity to make any official announcements of her own.
Green, who announced in late May that she would not be seeking municipal re-election, only responded to thank Harris for his years of public service.
"On behalf of the citizens of Prince George, I wish him and his family well in his retirement," said Green by email.
Local businessman T.J. Grewal is also expected to enter the nomination race, but could not be reached Saturday for comment.
Despite silence from Green's corner, Caron said the landscape is already polarized.
"It polarizers it mainly to two candidates - one who has publicly endorsed and someone else," Caron says, referring to Doherty and Green.
He also noted that after changes to the local Conservative riding association earlier this year, Green has some supporters there.
"Whatever information they get, the other candidates don't have access to that either," Caron said. "That can tell you already that there's a polarization that is happening about who gets what and what kind of information is shared with whom."
For his part Fedorkiw said he hasn't sensed any division yet.
"My feeling is that everybody's just judging the candidates on their own merits."
Caron, who has described himself as fiscally conservative and socially moderate, says his fluency in both French and English sets him apart from other candidates.
Meanwhile Fedorkiw points to his background as an economist who has worked both internationally and in the finance department in Ottawa, arguing the next MP will need to pay close attention to natural resources as "the bread and butter of our economy.
"There's a lot of excitement, there's a lot of new proposed projects and opportunities but there's also concerns that we're not going to make the most of it."
On Saturday, Doherty said the region is at a "critical point" and must rely on a collaborative approach.
"We need a strong economy to continue to grow as a region. Our population is stagnant. We continue to lose families to other communities and other provinces," Doherty.
"We don't need to talk, we need to listen," he said. "When we stand together, our collective voice is stronger."
- with files from Arthur Williams
