The B.C. NDP have acclaimed their candidate for the Âé¶čAV-West riding.
Shelley Cook, former executive director of the John Howard Society in Âé¶čAV was nominated during an NDP nomination meeting on March 18.
Cook is competing in the riding against Premier Christy Clark.
âPeople who know me know that anything I do, I come into it with my eyes wide open and so I think, itâs an interesting time to be involved. Thereâs a changing demographic in Âé¶čAV⊠for me, Iâm excited to get out there,â said Cook.
Cook, who is originally from Âé¶čAV and is a PhD student in community, culture and global studies (urban geography) at UBC Okanagan, is also currently leading two research studies on homelessness in the city.
âI have very deep roots in this community. I have a very strong connection. My grandparents are buried on Glenmore. Everywhere I look, I see my childhood. Thereâs no community Iâm more connected to,â she said.
Coming from the social services perspective, Cook said she has a unique perspective on the way policies are implemented at the ground level.
âIâm here in the community and thatâs what sets me apart (from Clark),â she said.
Cook will be having conversations that go beyond the NDP push for a province-wide $15 minimum wage initiative.
âIf employers donât have staff because they canât afford to live here, theyâre going to have bigger problems than a $15 minimum wage.â
NDP MLA for Vancouver-Hastings Shane Simpson was also in attendance during the acclamation at the BCGEU office on Borden Road in Âé¶čAV.
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