The Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo (KTC) federal New Democrats party will hold a nomination meeting in 100 Mile House this weekend.
It takes place at the 100 Mile United Church on Aug. 9, 10-11 a.m., for both party members, and members of the public who are welcome to attend as guests.
KTC NDP communications representative Michael Crawford says the current sole candidate, Bill Sandhu, will be in attendance to speak and answer questions.
A local Hospital Employees Union member, Barb Matfin, will be the guest speaker, he notes.
“We wanted a local speaker, but we also thought about health care, because of the devastation that [Prime Minister Stephen Harper] has brought to health care in Canada. He’s taking 36 billion of dollars out of the health care system, and he didn’t carry on with the health accord with the provinces.”
Crawford explains at this point in the nomination process, it is unlikely (but not impossible) another candidate may surface before the meeting. However, he or she would need to have that already underway, as it is too late for new nominations, he adds.
The former NDP candidate notes if the Conservative government adheres to the scheduled election date of Oct. 19, 2015 – does not prorogue or otherwise force an another election date – the party needs to be ready with a candidate, volunteers and donations.
“The person that will become our candidate will lead the election and planning through the fall and into the spring, and we will be ready to run a full election campaign for October 2015.
“The nomination meetings are just a bit of a kick-off for that campaign.”
Later the same day, two other nomination meetings are taking place in the riding, in Clearwater (1:30 p.m.) and in Kamloops (6 p.m.), so call KTC
NDP president Garry Worth at 250-573-3225 for the specific locations if one of those suits you better.
If only one candidate stands for the riding’s selection by then, Sandhu’s nomination by acclimation will take place at each of these three meetings.
“At the end of that day, the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo will have a New Democrats candidate.”
Nomination meetings are among the important services party members come to expect in their riding when a candidate nomination process is underway, Crawford notes.
“We are wanting to carry on with a commitment to provide services to our members throughout the ridings … our rural members are important to us.”
