NDP gearing up for race in Cariboo – Prince George

While Conservative candidate Todd Doherty enjoys an election head start, 3 people have put their names forward for potential NDP candidacy in the Cariboo – Prince George riding.

Laura Zimmerman is a former teacher and active volunteer in Williams Lake. She isn’t phased by the string of big Conservative wins in the riding over the past few decades.

“Every fortress goes down, every fortress. The Roman Empire went down, and this constituency is going to change.”

“Mr Harper has neglected and refused to even consider the what he is doing to us. I say ‘us’ because I am middle class.”

Zimmerman says the Cariboo – Prince George constituency has been “neglected” in recent years. She also voiced concerned about bill C-51 and the Harper government’s treatment of the environment.

Prince George businessman Trent Derrick is equally optimistic that change will come to the riding in October.

“I’ve been doing quite a bit of door to door and I’ve been hearing a lot of people saying they want change. I think the NDP is the one party that will be able to bring change to Ottawa.”

Derrick says he has his own worries about Bill C-51. He also says the federal government “didn’t listen to the people when it comes to Enbridge”, and says Harper has let protections for the environment slip while in power.

The third and final potential candidate is former Prince George City Councillor Deborah Munoz.

“I look forward to the campaign, it’s longer than expected but I certainly look forward to it if I am the chosen candidate. I will be putting 150% of my time energy and commitment into that.”

Munoz spoke highly of Thomas Mulcair and blasted Harper over his handling of the economy.

She also says she is worried about the lack of safety oversight in the rail industry.

“The rails pass right in front of the Baker hospital in downtown Quesnel.. If there was a spill or a major accident it would be catastrophic.”

The NDP will be choosing their candidate for the riding on August 29th. Pending party approval, Tracy Calogheros will represent the Liberals in the race for the riding.