Skip to content

Coralee Oakes to run as Independent candidate

Oakes will be joining other BC United MLAs and candidates who have chosen to run as independents
14375773_web1_181116-QCO-coralee-says-vote_1
Incumbent MLA Coralee Oakes will be running in October's election. (Quesnel Observer file photo)

Coralee Oakes is in the race without a party following the suspension of BC United.

"Following the suspension of the BC United campaign, I’ve been listening closely to the concerns of my constituents, and the message is clear — many feel abandoned, with fewer options to represent their values. That’s why I’ve made the decision to remain on the ballot as an Independent candidate. My loyalty has always been to the people of this region, and that will never change," Oakes said in a news release.

First elected in 2013 Oakes has served as a cabinet minister under Christy Clark's BC Liberals government and has had roles as shadow minister for several portfolios since the BC NDP came into power in 2017.

"As an Independent MLA, I’ll be in a strong position to push for the priorities that matter to our region. Whether it’s ensuring better roads and infrastructure, supporting our natural resource sector, or advocating for better health care and mental health services, I’ll continue to fight for the people of Prince George-North Cariboo," she said in the release.

Oakes said if the legislature is won by a thin margin, independent MLAs can be the deciding votes on major issues if elected.

She joins several other MLAs and candidates who were blindsided by Kevin Falcon's decision to not run candidates in this election.

The BC Conservative candidate for the riding is Sheldon Clare and the BC Greens have nominated Randy Thompson to be their candidates in the Oct. 19 election.



Austin Kelly

About the Author: Austin Kelly

Born and raised in Surrey, I'm excited to have the opportunity to start my journalism career in Quesnel.
Read more