Decision BC: Prince George-Mackenzie

In 2009: Liberal cabinet minister Pat Bell defeated NDP candidate Tobias Lawrence by nearly 3500 votes, 56-37%.

History & Geography: Created in 1979, Prince George-Mackenzie comprises of the western part of Prince George north of Highway 16 and west of Highway 97.. The rural part of the riding is north of Prince George, consisting of the towns along Highway 39, including Mackenzie, Bear Lake, and Summit Lake. The Hart Highlands north of Prince George are strong Liberal territory, while Mackenzie and some of the smaller towns are more friendly to the NDP.

Basic Stats:

• Population: 44960 (70th)

• Size: 20361 km (14th)

• Density: 2.2 people/km (73rd)

Candidates

Liberals-Mike Morris: A policemen, Morris was the former RCMP North District superintendent before retiring in 2005. He is currently president of the BC Trappers Association, works as an adjudicator with the Health Professions Review Board, and was the Liberals’ local riding association president.

NDP-Bobby Deepak: A lawyer, Deepak founded North Labour Law in Prince George in 2006, focusing primarily in administrative law. He grew up in Prince George, and has a Criminology degree from SFU and a law degree from the University of Ottawa. He has taught at the College of New Caledonia.

Conservatives-Terry Rysz: A Sicamous councillor, Rysz agreed to run in Prince George at the Conservatives’ request. He was the owner Aro Automotive and Industrial Supplies, which had operations in Prince George, Fort St. John and Valemount. After selling the business, he travelled the world before running a pub in Revelstoke.

Greens-Karen McDowell: A limousine driver, McDowell is taking classes at UNBC.