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B.C. politics: NDP names candidate in byelection for Horgan’s vacant seat

File photo of former B.C. Premier John Horgan, who resigned his seat on March 31, 2023, for health reasons. His seat will remain vacant until a byelection is held. Dirk Meissner / The Canadian Press

British Columbia’s New Democrats have formally named the head of a Victoria-area school board as their candidate in an upcoming byelection to fill the seat once held by former Premier John Horgan.

The NDP says Sooke School District chair Ravi Parmar will carry the party banner in the race to represent the riding of Langford-Juan de Fuca.

It issued a release saying Parmar oversaw the largest expansion in the board’s history while working alongside Horgan, who stepped down as premier last year and officially resigned his legislature seat in March.

Click to play video: 'John Horgan takes final step to end career at B.C. legislature'
John Horgan takes final step to end career at B.C. legislature

Parmar says he worked with Horgan as a student activist while attending Belmont Secondary during the reign of the B.C. Liberal Party, which has since rebranded as BC United.

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Parmar says he’s “honoured” to be nominated and follow in the footsteps of Horgan, whom he calls a “friend and mentor.”

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BC United named Elena Lawson, a parent advocating for children with autism, as its candidate earlier this month.

Elections BC says the province has two pending byelections, one for Langford-Juan de Fuca, which must be called by the end of September, and Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, which must be called by mid-October.

Click to play video: 'Looming changes to B.C. political landscape'
Looming changes to B.C. political landscape

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