Kelowna–Mission MLA Renee Merrifield has announced her candidacy for the leadership of the BC Liberals.
Merrifield, the CEO of Troika Developments, was elected to the BC Legislative Assembly in 2020 with just over 50% of the vote.
She is now the opposition critic for health.
“Renee has the experience and the drive to lead the BC Liberal Party back into government,” the announcement of her candidacy explains.
“While Renee is not a career politician, Renee has been building successful businesses in British Columbia for more than 20 years, thinking creatively, empowering her teams, working hard and never giving up.”
It adds: “Renee's compassion for her community shows through not just the projects her business gets involved with but her dedication to volunteering in her community, provincially and nationally sitting on several boards and committees who help residents throughout the province and country.”
Merrifield has served on the board of directors for the likes of First West Credit Union, Interior Health, the Urban Development Institute, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission and Breakfast Club of Canada.
She has also served as an executive member on the Westbank First Nation Economic Development Commission board.
"I’m running because I believe in people,” Merrifield said.
"I’m running because I believe in the potential of this province, I’m running because I want to build a better belonging for all British Columbians. That starts right here, in how we build our party.
“I believe that no matter who you are, or where you are from, there is a place for you in the BC Liberal party. I believe that you belong. My goal is to build a team — a movement — so together, we can seize the opportunity to earn the support and trust of our fellow British Columbians in the next election.”
Reacting to the announcement, the NDP said Merrifield has "anti-science views" and should have "no place in our politics."
“Since becoming BC Liberal Health Critic, Renee Merrifield has continually attacked and undermined BC’s public health experts," said Jinny Sims, MLA for Surrey-Panorama.
"Her anti-science views should have no place in our politics, let alone with the leader of a political party.”
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