A former Nanaimo-Ladysmith school trustee is entering provincial politics, running in a brand-new riding on the mid Island.
The B.C. NDP announced Sunday, June 9, that Stephanie Higginson is the party's candidate in Ladysmith-Oceanside.
The Cedar resident was elected to the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools board of education in 2014 and 2018, and is also a past-president of the B.C. School Trustees' Association. She did not run for re-election to the School District 68 board in 2022.
In a press release, Higginson criticized B.C. United leader Kevin Falcon and B.C. Conservative Party leader John Rustad for their efforts on the education and health-care files when the B.C. Liberal Party formed the B.C. government.
“We can’t let them do it again,” said Higginson in the release. “Our B.C. NDP team is on your side, delivering strong public services, good jobs, and a strong and clean economy."
B.C. Premier David Eby, in the release, complimented Higginson's understanding of the "critical role" schools play in the lives of B.C. families.
“People in Ladysmith-Oceanside will be well-served by her commitment to helping them build good lives in the community they love, and her support of strong and effective public services," Eby said.
Lehann Wallace was previously announced as B.C. United's candidate for Ladysmith-Oceanside and Brett Fee was announced as the B.C. Conservatives' candidate.
The provincial election will be held this October.
