A lifelong resident of Richmond Scott Stewart announced he would be seeking nomination from the NDP to run in the Richmond-Steveston riding Monday morning.
I believe that Richmond has been largely ignored by the province and its time to get our issues noticed in Victoria, he said. I think well be having a government more responsive to voters and by putting the NDP in Richmond, well make sure the caucus understands us.
Although Stewart didnt want to discuss which issues he plans to focus on just yet, he said he has long supported the NDP and worked on City Coun. Harold Steves campaign in 1972.
As soon as I found out, I sent him an email saying I was going to endorse him, said Steves. Ill never forget the motivation he showed back when he was working with me. I remember thinking, Heres a kid who should be involved in politics.
Stewart, a proponent of vocational and university education, also advocates for family and senior issues.
He spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement, writing bylaws and working in program development, as well as, instructing at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. He also served 38 years as a reservist with the Canadian Forces Health Services.
Through my work in law enforcement, I saw people in need that needed support, said Stewart. And I saw what needed to be done to help them.
He currently serves on a number of committees including the board of the Gateway Theatre and the St. John Ambulance Provincial Community Committee.
He also runs a small consulting firm.
I have a unique advantage because I run a small business and I know how businesses run, he said. Eighty per cent of British Columbians work for small or medium-sized businesses. Its what we need to keep B.C. operating.
Stewart has been approved by the party as a candidate for nomination and will now campaign to members of the constituency, said Michael Roy, spokesperson for the NDP party. The current MLA for Richmond-Steveston is Liberal candidate John Yap.
So far, Stewart is the only one to put his name forward for NDP nomination, according to Roy, but a nomination deadline has not been set yet.
Stewarts announcement comes shortly after the BC Liberals appointed Teresa Wat as their candidate for the Richmond Centre riding last Wednesday afternoon.
Last month, family physician Dr. Caroline Wang emerged as a potential runner for the Richmond Centre riding, but would not confirm which party shed run for. Despite the recent announcements, Wang said its still too early to announce her position Monday morning.
