Patti MacAhonic will be running for MLA in the upcoming provincial election for the NDP in the riding of Chilliwack-Kent.
The executive director of Ann Davis Transition Society ran unsuccessfully in 2013 in the provincial riding of Chilliwack, but is now running in her home riding "after much deliberation and soul searching," she said.
She was acclaimed the NDP candidate at the Chilliwack-Kent nomination meeting Saturday, Feb. 18 at Vedder middle school.
MacAhonic said her focus will be on the growing chasm between rich and poor, with homelessness and the need for affordable housing growing.
"Middle and low-income families cannot make ends meet, we have the alarmingly tragic distinction of having the second highest rate of child poverty in the country, we have children dying in care of the government while the premier spins stories as a smokescreen to not deal with these urgent issues," said MacAhonic.
She said it’s time for change.
“It’s time for a government that champions the things that are important to people here," she said. "The BC NDP has a plan to improve our kids' schools, protect our environment and make life more affordable for British Columbians."
The leader of the BC NDP is on-board.
“Patti MacAhonic is an outstanding community leader,” said BC NDP Leader John Horgan.
“She has what it takes to help defeat Christy Clark and build a better province that works for all British Columbians.”
MacAhonic is a former executive director of the BC Wildlife Federation and the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce.
She has track record of being involved provincially, federally and locally, "working effectively with diverse individuals and groups on different levels on important issues will stand me in good stead to truly represent all constituents if elected.
"I will listen to you and I will work collaboratively to get things done to the best of my ability," she added.