North Shore community leaders joined West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Karin Kirkpatrick to announce her re-election campaign as an independent in the upcoming provincial election on October 19th. Kirkpatrick vowed to uphold forward-looking centrist values as an independent MLA.
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“I’ve always been clear about my values, and I’ve always been clear about the principles I want to see in government — I want to see world-class public services, a strong private sector economy, a long-term view towards transportation, infrastructure, and housing, and a healthcare system that meets the needs of British Columbians,” said Kirkpatrick. “These are the beliefs that have driven me through my time in office, and they are the beliefs that will guide me as an independent MLA.”
Kirkpatrick, who had previously announced her retirement from BC politics, was encouraged to run after the sudden decision of BC United Leader Kevin Falcon to withdraw the party’s endorsement of all of its candidates.
“I heard loud and clear from members of our community: they don’t want to vote for an NDP government but felt deeply uncomfortable supporting the BC Conservatives,” continued Kirkpatrick. “They want to see fiscal responsibility and a strong economy but don’t want to vote for a party that has tolerated extreme views and conspiracy theorists.”
Kirkpatrick, first elected as a BC Liberal in the 2020 provincial election, was joined by five-term BC Liberal MLA Ralph Sultan for the announcement. Sultan endorsed Kirkpatrick, touting her strong MLA record and encouraging long-term BC Liberal voters to support her campaign.
“The right choice couldn’t be clearer,” said Sultan. “Karin has done an incredible job for our community during her time as an MLA. She has the experience, tenacity, a social conscience, and a good mind for finance and business — no one better suited to represent this community today than her.”
Kirkpatrick joins four other incumbent MLAs now running as independents: Dan Davies in Peace River North, Mike Bernier in Peace River South, Coralee Oakes in Prince George-Cariboo, and Tom Shypitka in Kootenay-Rockies.
“These are unique times in provincial politics, and there is the real possibility that a handful of independents could hold the balance of power in the next legislative session,” concluded Kirkpatrick. “With this campaign and the campaigns of independents around the province, we can start writing the next chapter of BC politics and begin building towards a positive future.”
Kirkpatrick won West Vancouver-Capilano in 2020 with 53.55% of the vote, defeating her closest competitor by over 23%. The Provincial Election will be held on October 19.
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