The New Democrats (NDP) are looking for a new federal candidate for the riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country with the resignation of Bill Forst on Tuesday morning (May 18).
In a press release sent to the ridings' media outlets, Forst said when he stood for nomination as the NDP candidate at the September 2009 nominating convention, he made it clear to members that he would not be able to continue to stand as candidate if there was no election by the spring of 2010.
"This circumstance is due to long standing retirement plans for a "sabbatical" year of travel in Europe from June 2010 to June 2011," said Forst. "I therefore must regrettably announce my resignation as the NDP candidate. I remain fully committed to supporting the great work of Jack Layton and the federal NDP caucus. I am particularly proud of the recent passage of the NDP's Bill C-311, which is the country's only federal climate-change legislation and which will make the government accountable to Canadians for action on climate change through regular reporting on measures to achieve firm targets."
Forst said he would continue in his position of riding association president with the ability to maintain contact through email, telephone and Skype.
He said Charles Burns, as vice-president, has agreed to carry out local operations of the riding association in his absence.
Forst said, in consultation with the association's Table Officers, he is recommending that a nominating convention be held on Saturday, Sept. 18 to select a new candidate.
"Should an election be called earlier than that date, emergency nominating processes will be undertaken," said Forst. "I am confident that a worthy candidate will be selected. I expect to remain very active with the association upon my return."
