Before they even got out of the starting gate Tuesday, one of those jockeying for the position of MLA in the riding of Richmond-East has politically changed horses.
Ping Chan, who was all set to wear the colours of the BC Green Party during the May 14 provincial election campaign, has now held aloft the BC Excalibur Party as his political allegiance.
Frank Barnhouse, Chans campaign manager, told the News Thursday the decision to switch parties actually came about several weeks ago.
Things were not just going the way he (Chan) had foreseen them at the Green Party, and he bears no grudge with them, but he saw a new party and a new change, Barnhouse said.
Victoria Cross, the BC Green Partys provincial candidate coordinator confirmed Chans departure and said a replacement for him is expected soon.
Candidates have until 10 days into the campaign to register themselves with Elections BC in order to be on the ballot on May 14.
Barnhouse did not specify Chans concerns with the Green Party, only saying he did not like the direction they were heading.
He just wasnt happy there, Barnhouse said, adding the Excalibur Partys ideal of truth in government atracted Chan.
That appealed to his sense of fairness and justice, Barnhouse said.
According to his bio on the BC Excalibur Party website, Chan is a civil engineer whose focus is on justice, the environment and peace issues.
Engineers work with facts, not emotions, Barnhouse said, and he just saw the Excalibur Party as being a better fit for him.
The partys website lists a total of five candidates and its motto reads The Land, The People And The Government Are One.
BC Conservatives announce late runner
The BC Conservatives have also announced a late runner in the race for Richmond Centre.
Lawrence Chen has a background in real estate and political science and is a former university teacher, published author and presently works as the BC Wildlife Federation CORE hunting safety instructor and examiner.
All-candidates meetings:
- Monday, April 29 at Minoru Place Activity Centre, 7660 Minoru Gt. from 6 to 9 p.m. (organized by the Richmond Centre for Disability)
- Wednesday, May 1 at Shiang Garden Restaurant, 2200-4540 No. 3 Rd. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (organized by the Canada Asia Pacific Business Association)
- Thursday, May 2, at Richmond Secondary School, 7171 Minoru Blvd. from 7 to 9 p.m. (organized by the Richmond Teachers Association)
- Tuesday, May 8 at Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel, 7571 Westminster Hwy. at 7 p.m. (organized by Touchstone Family Association)
