Petra Veintimilla will be the Liberal candidate in the riding of Boundary-Similkameen.
Just hours after Premier John Horgan announced a provincial election had been set for Oct. 24, the riding association declared Veintimilla its nominee.
“I think that the residents of the Boundary-Similkameen deserve an MLA who’s going to work hard for them to ensure that our communities are vibrant and growing and that our families are supported and that our voices are heard in Victoria,” said Veintimilla, who lives in Oliver. “I believe I am that person.”
Veintimilla says she was taken by surprise by Horgan's Monday morning announcement.
“Oh my goodness, yes, absolutely. I know there were rumours. But I definitely didn’t believe that it was going to happen so quickly," she responded. "I think calling a snap election in the middle of a pandemic is opportunistic. And I think people will see right through that. So I was surprised.”
Boundary-Similkameen is an open riding, with current two-term MLA Linda Larson not seeking re-election.
When Horgan officially announced the election campaign was underway, that set the wheels in motion for riding associations to act quickly and name a candidate.
“I was working, and kind of waiting to see what was going to happen. I had expressed my interest a while ago to the party,” said Veintimilla, who helps run family businesses Underfoot Flooring and Alberto’s Decorating. “I believe that open and competitive nominations are the way to go for sure. That competition and process helps with engagement in the riding. That would have been the preferred option. When I heard the election was called I knew we weren’t going to have time for something like that. And I wasn’t sure which way the leader would decide to go – if there would be a nomination process or if they were going to appoint somebody.
“I did find out late last night that I was appointed.”
Veintimilla is no stranger to the political scene.
She is in her second term as an Oliver town Councillor, has been a representative on the RDOS board, and has served as chair of the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District.
She has also been active with the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce.
As for her election platform, Veintimilla is adamant she wants that to be driven by constituents.
“I want to hear what the electorate in the Boundary-Similkameen has to say, and what issues are important to them,” she said. “I do believe this is likely one of the most important elections that we will face in our lifetime and in my lifetime.”
And Veintimilla has plenty of issues to discuss on the campaign trail.
“We’re in a pandemic. We have a looming economic crisis. There’s jobs, there’s affordability, there’s addictions. There are so many issues, and you know, with a new generation of leaders, hopefully we will see ourselves through all of these issues and through those things that are facing us right now,” she said. “But really, my focus will be on making sure that our communities are vibrant and growing and that our families are supported and that our voices are heard.”
