Christy Clark announces Vancouver-Point Grey byelection

VICTORIA – Premier Christy Clark announced Monday she intends to seek a seat in the riding of Vancouver-Point Grey, but did not say when she will call a byelection there.

“I hope the people of Vancouver-Point Grey will give me the chance to serve them as an elected member of the B.C. legislature,” Clark said in a statement released late Monday afternoon. She was not available for interviews.

Vancouver-Point Grey was vacated last month by former premier Gordon Campbell, making it the only open seat in the province and the most obvious place for Clark to run.

Under the law, the seat must be filled by Sept. 15, either through a byelection or a general election.

Clark was elected premier-designate by members of the B.C. Liberal Party on Feb. 26 and sworn in as premier on March 14.

On Monday, Mel Lehan, the former NDP candidate for Vancouver-Point Grey, said his party has identified a new candidate for the riding, but will not announce who that is until a byelection is officially called. NDP spokesman Michael Roy said no nomination meeting has been scheduled.

David Eby, executive director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, confirmed Monday he is considering seeking the NDP nomination in the riding, but will make no decision until a byelection is called.

Eby admitted it would be a tough challenge running against the premier but called it an exciting chance to raise issues he’s passionate about, such as finding solutions to homelessness, as well as environmental and social justice issues.

“I think it’s an interesting opportunity and a real chance for the voters of Point Grey to send a message about what’s important to them. The question is whether I’m the guy, so I have to look at that, and whether to leave my job, which I love.”

In her statement Monday, Clark said she will seek the Vancouver-Point Grey nomination for the B.C. Liberals, but gave no details on when that will officially take place.

Clark does not live in the riding, but does live in Vancouver and has often spoken of her connection to various elements of Vancouver-Point Grey.

The B.C. legislature is scheduled to reconvene between April 27 and June 2. Clark will not be allowed to participate in the official proceedings until she wins a seat.