Stewart to be Liberal candidate in byelection for former riding
The Okanagan Weekend
As expected, former MLA and cabinet minister Ben Stewart will be the Liberal candidate in the upcoming Kelowna West provincial byelection.
The B.C. Liberals issued a news release Friday naming Stewart the candidate, although he won't be formally nominated until Sept. 21 at a party event at Westbank Lions Hall.
Stewart, formerly president of the family business, Quails' Gate Winery in West Kelowna, was first elected as MLA in the Kelowna West riding in 2009.
He went on to also be minister of citizens' services, minister of community and rural development and minister of agriculture.
Stewart was re-elected in 2013, but shortly after gave up his seat so Premier Christy Clark could run in a byelection after she lost her Vancouver seat.
Stewart was rewarded by being appointed B.C.'s special representative in Asia to encourage trade between the province and the continent. He held the post until last December. Clark was re-elected as MLA in Kelowna West in the May election.
However, after failing to net a majority, NDP leader John Horgan became premier and Clark resigned as Kelowna West MLA and Liberal leader.
"Representing the constituents of Kelowna West and serving British Columbia has been the honour of my lifetime," said Stewart.
"I'm humbled by the community's support and this opportunity to serve again. My team and I are ready to work hard and win this byelection. Now all we need is for the NDP to call it so I can get back to standing up for jobs and a strong economy, here in the Okanagan and throughout B.C."
The NDP has until Feb. 4 to call the byelection.