The NDP finally named candidates for their two Richmond ridings shortly after the election was called.
Jaeden Dela Torre, who is 18 and is running in Steveston-Richmond East, will be one of the youngest candidates in Canada.
In Richmond Centre, Dustin Innes, a lifeguard and union vice-president, was chosen as the NDP candidate.
Dela Torre will try to unseat Liberal MP Joe Peschisolido, and in Richmond Centre, Innes will go up against Conservative incumbent Alice Wong.
Dela Torre, who is studying political science at Kwantlen Polytechnic and works part-time, said his motivation to run was to represent his age group.
“I wanted to give a voice to young people,” he said.
Dela Torre graduated from Steveston-London secondary in 2018 and continues to live in Richmond.
Innes is vice-president of CUPE loc. 718, which represents inside workers at the City of Richmond, for example, at community centres, pools and public works.
He has worked as a lifeguard and supervisor at Richmond pools for 10 years and for CUPE for five years. He has also been involved with the BC Federation of Labour and CUPE BC.
Innes grew up and currently lives in Richmond.
The Green Party of Canada named Nicole Iaci as its candidate for Steveston-Richmond East. Iaci is a lawyer and belongs to the Kwantlen First Nation, which is based in Langley.
As a lawyer with BR Law, she works exclusively with First Nations across the province.
Iaci said she joined the Greens because she believes in “climate justice” and an “honest commitment” to partnering with indigenous nations to make life more affordable for all Canadians.
Iaci was born and raised in Richmond, and lives in the Steveston-Richmond East.
Kenny Chiu is running for the Conservatives in Steveston-Richmond East.
In Richmond Centre, Ivan Pak is running for the People’s Party of Canada, Francoise Raunet is running for the Greens, and Steven Kou is running for the Liberals.
