A political newcomer to Victoria Council has been chosen to carry the NDP banner into the federal election in October.
Laurel Collins won the nomination for the Victoria riding at a meeting last night attended by retiring MP Murray Rankin, and Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.
Collins has been on Victoria council just 6 months, but made the decision to jump to federal politics after being approached by numerous people in the community:
" I had constituents, strangers, dear friends, colleagues, approaching me asking me to step up. And it was a really challenging decision because I love being on council. I love almost everything about it -- the consituency work, the policy work, and there's a lot to do at the municipal level. But I know that I'm leaving the council in good hands."
Besides sitting as a Victoria councillor, Collins is also an instructor in Social Justice & Social Inequality at the University of Victoria. She says she'll continue her duties on council, but take a leave of absence once the federal writ is dropped.
The federal Greens have already nominated Racelle Kooy -- a Community Engagement Specialist -- as their candidate. The Liberals and Conservatives have yet to choose their candidates.