Former provincial Green Party leader Adriane Carr wants to take down Liberal Hedy Fry and become the next member of parliament for Vancouver-Centre.
Carr, who is now deputy leader of the national Green party, has been selected as the party's candidate in that riding for the next federal election.
The Greens won 5.85 per cent of the vote in last year's January election. Fry won with 43.8 per cent while NDP candidate Svend Robinson was a distant second with 28.67 per cent. The Conservatives ran third with 20.46 per cent of the vote.
"This was a tough decision for me," said Carr in a phone interview with Coast Reporter last week. "I had to decide if I should run where I live or run where I've worked for more than 20 years. After meeting with leaders in the community, it was clear that Vancouver-Centre was ready for change and wanted a fresh, new voice to take their message to Ottawa. I know how much work is ahead of me to win this riding and the respect of the people who live there, but I think Hedy is vulnerable."
Carr said her decision was made tougher by the strong feelings she has for the Sunshine Coast.
"It was amazing to live and work in this community for so many years. My heart will always be on the Sunshine Coast," Carr said. "But the party had to make a decision and figure out a riding that they felt was the best one for me to be in. Vancouver-Centre is an area we feel is ready for Green leadership. I'm excited by the opportunity."
Carr said a replacement for the provincial party is still being decided, as are potential candidates for this riding at the federal level. Carr did say, however, there are some local candidates who have indicated their desire to seek the provincial leadership.
"I can't get into any specifics. All I can say is there is a good feeling and energy within the party both at a provincial and federal level," Carr said. "It's an exciting time to be part of the Green Party."
