NDP supporters gathered at local business Le Grande Fromage Wednesday night to meet with the East Kootenay NDP nominee candidates. Former Fernie mayor and current councillor for the City, Randal Macnair, is running against longtime Cranbrook resident, Norma Blissett, for the chance to represent the NDP in the upcoming provincial election.
Macnair explained, “The purpose of the event was to introduce people to myself as a candidate, and Norma as a candidate, and just capitalize on some of the excitement that’s happening around the NDP, both provincially and locally.”
With over 50 people at the social event, and a wide spectrum of ages in attendance, Macnair felt the turnout was strong. “People who have never been involved with the NDP before are coming forward to work for change alongside long-time party members.”
For Blissett, the evening served as an introduction of herself to the community of Fernie. “It was great to be able to come to Fernie and meet so many NDP members and supporters,” she remarked. “The Fernie community traditionally has supported the NDP. Many residents told me they are looking forward to having a provincial NDP government.”
Already a well known local figure, Macnair was able to focus on getting his campaign goals heard. “My message is, let’s come together and work positively. Norma and I are in a race, if you will, but in my opinion we have a common goal,” Macnair stated. “The goal is to form government and make sure that Kootenay East has a strong representative in Victoria.”
He went on to say, “There’s so much more potential than is understood beyond the Kootenays in this region, and Fernie is a microcosm of that.
“The resort industry, the mining industry, and just the fact that we’re a great place to live. I think that’s true of not just Kootenay East, but it’s true of British Columbia.”
The members of the Kootenay East NDP will meet on September 22 to decide between Macnair and Blissett.