Writs issued, provincial election campaign officially underway

The provincial election has officially been called.

Election day is set for October 19th, with advanced voting scheduled for October 10th to 13, 15th and 16th.

Prince George will have three ridings with the addition of Prince George-North Cariboo.

Prince George-North Cariboo candidates:

• Sheldon Clare, BC Conservatives
• Coralee Oakes, Independent (Incumbent, formerly BC United/Liberals)
• Randy Thompson, BC Greens

For the first time in 23 years, Prince George-Valemount will have a new MLA as Shirley Bond previously announced she will not be seeking re-election.

Prince George-Valemount candidates:

• Rosalyn Bird, BC Conservatives
• Gwen Johansson, BC Greens
• Clay Pountney, BC NDP

There will also be a new representative for Prince George-Mackenzie, as outgoing MLA Mike Morris announced his retirement a year ago.

Prince George-Mackenzie candidates:

• Kiel Giddens, BC Conservatives
• Shar McCrory, BC NDP
• James Steidle, BC Greens
• Rachael Weber, Independent

Nechako Lakes candidates:

• Murphy Abraham, BC NDP
• Douglas Gook, BC Greens
• John Rustad, BC Conservatives (Incumbent, BC Conservatives leader)

*This list is subject to change prior to election day.