FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 20, 2023
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Today in Prince George, BC United Leader Kevin Falcon announced that two experienced Members of the Legislative Assembly – Shirley Bond and Coralee Oakes – will be seeking re-election under BC United in the next provincial election, scheduled for October 2024. Bond and Oakes will be joining recently announced candidates Shane Brienen and Kiel Giddens in the Prince George Central area.
These accomplished and dedicated candidates are committed to serving British Columbians while upholding BC United’s vision and values.
BC United Leader Kevin Falcon shared his excitement to the party’s remarkable lineup of candidates stating, “We are pleased to have a great team of dedicated individuals who have shown exceptional leadership throughout their careers in the private and public sectors. We are confident in their ability to continue delivering tangible results for British Columbians on the issues that matter most such as cost of living, public safety, health care, and mental health and addictions supports. Together, we will forge a brighter future for British Columbia.”
In addition to this exciting announcement, BC United thanks Mike Morris, who serves as the MLA for Prince George – Mackenzie, as he announces his plan for retirement and will not be seeking re-election in the next provincial election. Morris has made significant contributions to the province, serving as Shadow Minister for Public Safety and Solicitor General, as well as in various other roles, including Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Minister for Public Safety and Solicitor General – a position he held until 2017.
Reflecting on his time in public service, Mike Morris stated, “It has been an incredible privilege to serve the people of Prince George – Mackenzie and British Columbia. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this dedicated team and contribute to our province’s growth. As I prepare to step aside, I am confident that BC United, under Kevin Falcon’s leadership, is the party to continue delivering results for our community and all of our province.”
British Columbians can expect a mix of experienced and new candidates to be announced as BC United continues to build an alternative to the NDP, focusing on a positive vision and delivering results.
To learn more about all our exceptional candidates announced so far, visit: www.votebcunited.ca/team2024/
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MEDIA CONTACT
Lindsay Cote
Executive Director
communications@votebcunited.ca
250-552-8748
BACKGROUND
Shirely Bond (Prince George – Valemount):
Shirley Bond was first elected in 2001 as the MLA for Prince George – Valemount. She currently serves as Shadow Minister for Health, Seniors Services and Long Term Care. With an extensive background as a leader in politics and beyond, Bond said, “It’s a true honour to represent the people of Prince George – Valemount, and I’m excited to announce my decision to run for re-election. I firmly believe that the BC United team, led by our leader Kevin Falcon, can deliver improved results for our province and region including transforming our health-care system and enhancing mental health and addictions services. There is more work to be done and I am confident that together, we can build a brighter future for our region and province.”
Coralee Oakes (Prince George – Cariboo North):
Coralee Oakes was elected MLA for Cariboo North in 2013, 2017, and again in 2020. She currently serves as Shadow Minister for Post Secondary Education. Oakes’ experience in local government makes her an invaluable asset to our BC United Team. Oakes shared, “I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be seeking re-election in Prince George – Cariboo North. I know BC United is committed to building a better British Columbia using innovative solutions and is the only party capable of delivering real results.”
Shane Brienen (Nechako Lakes):
Shane Brienen is the current Mayor of Houston and brings both a personal and professional commitment to being the BC United candidate for Nechako Lakes. With over 36 years of experience in the local forestry industry and a long-standing membership with the United Steelworkers Union and having served in local government since 2005, Brienen brings to BC United a deep and comprehensive understanding of the local issues facing his community. Brienen stated, “I’m excited to run with BC United in Nechako Lakes alongside experienced MLAs, Shirley Bond and Coralee Oakes, and, the next MLA for Prince George – Mackenzie, Kiel Giddens. I’m dedicated to tackling challenges like crime, health care, economic growth, and affordability. I firmly believe that a BC United government, under the leadership of Kevin Falcon, can deliver the real results our province deserves.”
Kiel Giddens (Prince George – Mackenzie):
Kiel Giddens is a proud advocate for the local business community. Giddens is invested in the future of Prince George and Northern B.C. as a place for families to work, live and prosper. Giddens has spent over a decade building Northern opportunities as part of the largest private sector investment in Canadian history in bringing a brand-new LNG industry to British Columbia and Canada. Giddens said, “I’m excited to seek election for Prince George – Mackenzie under the BC United banner. Running with candidates like Shirley, Coralee, and Shane make a great team to represent some of our Northern communities. I know a BC United government is capable of delivering the real results our province needs now more than ever.”
