And then there were four.
Another candidate has been announced in the riding of Prince George-Valemount, this time from the BC NDP.
Laura Parent, at age 21, will run against BC Liberal Party's Shirley Bond, who has held the seat since 2001, BC Libertarian candidate Sean Robson and BC Green Party candidate Mackenzie Kerr.
Prince George - Valemount now has its NDP candidate. Laura Parent has been confirmed as the candidate. The Prince George - Mackenzie candidate is Mayor of Mackenzie, Joan Atkinson. Between both ridings, there are now 7 candidates #bcpoli #cityofpg #bcvotes @PGMatters
— Jess Balzer (@jessicajbalzer) September 30, 2020
Parent says she believes it's time for a change in the riding, with younger and a little more energy.
"Firstly, I think it’s time for Prince George-Valemount to be represented by someone who is enthusiastic, hard-working, and dedicated," she tells PrinceGeorgeMatters.
"Our current MLA has done an excellent job serving her time, but it’s important to have new people representing constituents. Secondly, with the current pandemic, it’s vital to have continuity and stability in government. We need northern voices in the government, I want to be that person to fight for the needs of Prince George-Valemount."
However, she also believes running against names like Bond and Kerr helps make better MLAs and better representation.
"I am looking forward to running alongside such established candidates. Ultimately, having great candidates makes for better MLAs."
Her pitch to voters is simple: her priority is for constituents and their needs.
"My priority is the constituents. We are in unprecedented times, and we need better services in the North. It’s time that we have an MLA that is working for people, not big businesses."
Between both Prince George ridings, there is a total now of seven candidates with incumbent and BC Liberal candidate Mike Morris, NDP candidate Joan Atkinson and BC Libertarian Raymond Rodgers in the Prince George-Mackenzie riding.
“Laura is one of the brightest, most hard-working and passionate individuals I have had the pleasure to know," Former BC NDP Prince George-Mackenzie candidate Bobby Deepak added in a release.
"Together we knocked on hundreds of doors during the 2017 election campaign, she served as an executive on my riding association and I got to know her as a quick learner and very knowledgeable about the issues that impact our communities in the north. With her energy, hard work ethic and passion for our communities in the north, Laura will make an excellent MLA for Prince George-Valemount, replacing the old with the new."
