Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Sheila Malcolmson announced today she will seek the BC NDP nomination for the upcoming by-election in Nanaimo.

Standing with Premier John Horgan as well as current MLA and Mayor-elect Leonard Krog, Malcolmson said she is committed to continuing Krog’s record of service to the constituency.

“I love working for the people of Nanaimo,” said Malcolmson. “As an MLA in the John Horgan government I intend to get results for people on key issues like affordable housing, protecting our coast from oil spills, and improving health care and education for people in this community.”

Malcolmson said, “I am honoured to be the Member of Parliament, but the environment and housing crisis can’t wait. As an MLA in the BC government, these will be my priorities.”

The date of the by-election isn’t set yet, but Premier Horgan has committed to making sure Nanaimo has a new MLA in time for the provincial budget in February.

“I am excited to have a candidate of this calibre step forward for the BC NDP nomination,” said Horgan. “She has a proven record of getting results for the people of Nanaimo, and she is exactly the right person to fill Leonard Krog’s shoes.”

Krog, who was overwhelmingly elected as Mayor in Saturday’s civic election, said Malcolmson has what it takes to win the by-election and deliver results to the people of Nanaimo.

“I have seen Sheila in action. She is dedicated, hard-working, and deeply committed to the people of Nanaimo,” he said. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with Sheila as an MLA.”

The BC NDP’s local constituency association will set a nomination meeting in the coming weeks.