B.C. Liberal MLA Marc Dalton will seek the Conservative Party nomination in the local riding.
Randy Kamp, MP for what will be called Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge, announced last week that he will not seek a fifth term in October’s federal election.
His constituency assistant, Mike Murray, said earlier this week that he will also seek the nomination to replace Kamp.
Murray has been Kamp’s assistant for the past four years, first in Ottawa, then later at Kamp’s constituency office on Lougheed Highway in Maple Ridge.
Dalton ran unsuccessfully for the Conservatives in the 2006 federal election in Burnaby-New Westminster, losing to the NDP.
He was first elected MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission in 2009, then re-elected 2013.
“After a great deal of discussion with family, friends, and supporters, I have decided to declare my intention to seek the Conservative nomination in the riding of Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge,” Dalton said.
“Since I was a teenager in high school, I’ve had an interest in national politics and a passion for pan-Canadian issues. My interest may be traced to my family roots, which on my mother’s side go back to New France, or having grown up in a military family and being posted to radar bases across the country. I’m also Métis on my father’s side and speak French. All of this combined, I believe, gives me a unique perspective on issues that I am passionate about.”
Dalton formerly worked as a teacher in the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District, at both the elementary and high school levels. He has a Bachelor’s degree in French and History and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, both from Simon Fraser University.
Since September 2012, he has been Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education for Independent Schools.
“During my time in office, I have talked to thousands of people across British Columbia whether in my capacity as Parliamentary Secretary for Independent Schools, or on the Finance Committee or visiting resource sector sites. These experiences, and my government involvement will help me to effectively represent my constituents and the people of British Columbia at the federal level.”
Dalton will sit as an independent member of the Legislature for the time being, but continue to support government.
“I will remain a member of the party and, if unsuccessful in securing the nomination, will return to the caucus.”