Fernie resident Randal Macnair will be the 
Kootenay East New Democrat Party (NDP) candidate in the May 9, 2017 B.C. election.

East Kootenay NDP members cast ballots on Saturday at the Anglican Church in Cranbrook to select their candidate for the May 2017 provincial election.

Macnair was selected over City of Cranbrook Councillor Norma Blissett, who pledged to support Macnair in his bid to become the next Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kootenay East.

“I am excited to speaking out for the people of Kootenay East and to work with John Horgan and the BC NDP team to fix the mess Christy Clark has made,” Macnair said.

“Working together we can restore the public education, health care and senior’s care people need. Instead of Christy Clark’s pipe dreams and empty promises, John Horgan and the BC NDP support resource industries and will create real jobs in local communities to build a secure future for our families,” said Macnair, former Fernie mayor and councillor.

“Randal Macnair understands Kootenay East through his 15 years as a councillor and mayor. He will be in your corner, unlike Christy Clark, who only seems to look out for people at the top,” said BC NDP Leader John Horgan.

Macnair was first elected to Fernie council in 1999 and served as Mayor and on the Regional District of East Kootenay board for six years.

Born in Victoria, he has been a museum curator, worked in forestry, fishing, construction and now owns Oolichan Books, a well-respected literary publisher. His wife, Dr. Lisa Tessler, and children Mira and Kieran, provide him with both support and insight into life in the Elk Valley. Macnair and his family are active in the community, deepening his perspective on issues facing youth, families and seniors.

Macnair will be challenged by BC Liberal Party candidate Tom Shypitka, currently a City of Cranbrook councillor.