NDP select candidate to replace outgoing South Okanagan MP Richard Cannings

With the federal election likely just around the corner, New Democratic party members in the riding of Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay picked a candidate to replace outgoing MP Richard Cannings.

South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society executive director Linda Sankey defeated Herb Alex, Harpreet Badohal and Miguel Godau in nomination race this past weekend. 

“I am honoured that our longtime members have placed their trust in me to carry the amazing work on our MP Richard Cannings forward,” Sankey said in a media release issued today, March 3. 

“Industries in our region are struggling and with new threats from our southern neighbours, we need someone who has the trust and confidence of business, I am that person. Families, seniors, and young professionals need to be able to thrive in our region. To achieve that the federal government needs to do its part.”

Cannings won the past three elections for the New Democrats, but he’s passing the torch calling her a powerful voice and a community leader.

“We need to do everything possible to stop Conservatives and their agenda to gut the services we rely upon,” he said in the release.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said he’s thrilled to have Sankey on the NDP team, adding she’s spent her life in the riding and know the people and the needs of her community.

“I’m thrilled to have Linda joining the NDP team,” said Canada’s NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.

“Times are tough, costs are sky-high, and now we’re facing threats from Donald Trump. Hardworking people need someone in their corner who’s fighting for them, not Conservatives who will cut to give more to billionaires.”

As well as her work with the brain injury society, she was as on Penticton’s Housing Task Force and co-chaired the 100 More Homes Penticton Collaborative. Sankey has also served on the Penticton Chamber of Commerce.