Former NDP MP Catherine Bell has decided not to run as a candidate in the next federal election, initiating a search for a new NDP candidate for Vancouver Island North.
鈥淚 am convinced the New Democrats can and will win back Vancouver Island North in the next election, but it鈥檚 going to be a close race,鈥� said Bell in a press release this week.
鈥淎s the owner of a thriving small business, I find that I am unable to commit the time and resources required for a successful campaign. Therefore I鈥檝e decided to step out of politics and open the door for a new candidate and new energy.鈥�
Bell took over as owner of the Zocalo Caf茅 and Gallery in downtown Courtenay at the end of June.
鈥淚 love this new occupation, but it takes a great deal of time and energy,鈥� she noted.
The NDP riding association has already embarked on a candidate search, and will announce details of a nomination meeting shortly. Bell said she will fully support the successful candidate.
The Comox-born Bell ran as the NDP鈥檚 candidate in the 2004 election, narrowly losing to the Conservative Party鈥檚 John Duncan by 483 votes. She then defeated Duncan by 630 votes in the 2006 federal election and served as the NDP鈥檚 critic for natural resources while in Parliament.
Bell was unseated by Duncan in the 2008 election by more than 2,400 votes.
In addition to her time in politics, she has also served as vice-president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union and served on the social justice committee of the B.C. Federation of Labour.
鈥淛ack Layton and the NDP are offering a positive alternative and I will do everything I can to help elect a New Democrat MP in this riding,鈥� Bell added.
In a response from John Duncan鈥檚 office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, he wishes his former political competitor well in her entrepreneurial endeavours.
鈥淚t has been a real honour to serve the people of Vancouver Island North,鈥� said Bell. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 time for me to move on to new challenges and make way for a new candidate.鈥�
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