With the writ on the next federal election expected to drop in early September, the slate of candidates in Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies is slowly taking shape.
Incumbent Conservative MP Bob Zimmer will be seeking a third term.
His only challenger thus far is Ron Vaillant, who will represent Maxime Bernier's upstart People's Party of Canada.
"I've said from the start, I want to make a difference and I still do," said Zimmer, first elected in 2011.
Pundits consider the riding a safe Conservative seat as the party is currently polling at 49 per cent, according to aggregator 338Canada; the Liberals trail in a distant second at 19 per cent.
"We're fairly strong in this riding typically, we're usually the strongest Conservative riding in the province," Zimmer said. "But, I don't rest on my laurels. We're working hard and getting out in the community a lot. We really want to hear what people have to say, and want to bring that back to Ottawa."
The People's Party, which branched off from the Conservatives, is only polling at four per cent, behind the Greens (16 per cent) and NDP (11 per cent), but that hasn't stopped the party from an early start in getting itself organized in the northern B.C. riding.
Vaillant, a journeyman carpenter and pipefitter, was brought in after a candidate shuffle in his home Alberta riding of Red Deer-Lacombe.
"About this time last year, maybe July, I thought Canada was in a very bad position with the ways things were going and the direction of our country," Vaillant said of getting involved in politics and making a run for office.
Vaillant says he quit his job at a gas plant to be a candidate and will spend the next two months visiting the riding.
He says he'll be talking to voters about Canada's debt, immigration, and economy.
"It's a sacrifice I'm willing to take because I really feel that our country deserves something better than what we've had," Vaillant said. "It's always been Liberal or Conservative, and they say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting another outcome. If you're going to go ahead and vote Conservative and expect another outcome from what we've already had, well, good luck. With the People's Party, there is a totally different outcome."
The riding is popular in attracting protest parties, Zimmer said, noting it's how he got his start in politics with the Reform Party.
Though it's not unheard of, it's difficult for any outside candidate to win a riding, he added.
"I know there are some supporters (of the People's Party) in the area," Zimmer said. "Most people, when they go to the ballot box, I hope will see my name and say, 'Well, Bob's worked hard', and I'll get their vote again. Again, I don't rest on my laurels. We have to work hard until Oct. 21 to prove that."
The Liberals, NDP, and Greens have yet to announce candidates, nor have any independent candidates stepped forward.
The Greens did have a candidate, but they withdraw for personal reasons.
Riding officials say they continue their search for a candidate as they secure an office in Prince George and connect with supporters.
"Some members of the medical community have expressed their concern to us regarding the health effects of climate change in our riding," said Hilary Crowley, CEO of the riding association. "We continue to express our concerns regarding the Site C dam and the folly of purchasing the Trans Mountain pipeline. We want to see more emphasis on renewable energy and a new Green economy promoting jobs throughout the riding."
The NDP says it has had several people express interest in seeking the local nomination.
"The approval process is following its course and the nomination meeting should be scheduled shortly," party spokesperson Guillaume Francoeur said. "We are confident we will have excellent candidates in Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies as well as everywhere in B.C. and across the country."
The Liberals say the party has been approached by a number of "talented community leaders" for its nomination.
"In Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, Justin Trudeau and our Liberal campaign will be focused on a strong plan for British Columbians: to build more affordable housing, invest in our communities, grow the economy, and protect a healthier environment for our kids and grandkids," spokesperson Parker Lund said. "Justin Trudeau's positive plan is working to strengthen our middle class and make life better for B.C. families, and there's much more to do."
Meanwhile, the Cariboo-Prince George riding has a full slate of candidates, including incumbent Conservative MP Todd Doherty.
The other parties consist of Tracy Calogheros (Liberals), Mackenzie Kerr (Greens), Heather Sapergia (NDP), and Jing Lan Yang (People's Party).
A date for the election will be confirmed once the writ drops, though it's expected to happen Oct. 21.
- with files from Matt Preprost, Alaska Highway News
