Lee, Bernier both expected to run for B.C. Liberal leader

Michael Lee, the MLA for Vancouver-Langara, and Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South, are both expected to announce bids for the B.C. Liberal leadership next week.

Lee announced Friday he plans to host a news conference on Tuesday to speak with Liberal supporters about the coming leadership vote.

The business lawyer had previously worked as a special assistant to former prime minister Kim Campbell, and served as parliamentary secretary for housing affordability. Lee has also served as the past chair for the board of the Arts Umbrella and Alumni UBC associations. His parents are immigrants from Hong Kong, while he was born and raised in Vancouver.

In last spring ’s election, Lee won in the riding of Vancouver-Langara after Liberal incumbent Moira Stilwell opted not to run again.

The news conference will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.

Meanwhile, Bernier, a former education minister under Premier Christy Clark, is expected to throw his hat into the ring at a news conference on Monday, 3 p.m., at Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Hotel.

A former mayor of Dawson Creek, Bernier was elected MLA for Peace River South in 2013. He served as Parliamentary Secretary for Energy Literacy and the Environment for the Minister of Environment, before taking over the education portfolio in 2015.

Bernier finished with 6,180 votes (75 per cent) in the May 9 election, well ahead of NDP challenger Stephanie Goudie, who ended up with 1,991 votes.

Others who have announced or are expected to announce plans to run for leader of the B.C. Liberals are former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan and former Surrey mayor and current South Surrey-White Rock MP Dianne Watts. Terrace business consultant Lucy Sager was the first to declare a leadership bid.