A former high-profile B.C. NDP politician and a Green party law professor are the latest in a growing number of would-be candidates to jump into the race to replace Victoria MP Denise Savoie, who resigned last month.
Elizabeth Cull, Victoria business owner and former provincial deputy premier, finance and health minister, announced today she was running for the NDP nomination.
"Canadians want innovative, responsible leadership from their national government - and that means MPs who will be leaders, working together to create sustainable communities with strong economies that support families and the services they need," Cull said in a statement. "I can be that MP."
University of Victoria law professor Donald Galloway, an advocate of refugee and immigrant rights in Canada, also announced that he was running to secure the seat for the Green Party of Canada.
"Doubling the Green party's caucus will be a much bigger change in the political dynamics of Canada than just sending another Liberal, NDP or Conservative to Parliament," Green party leader Elizabeth May said in a statement. She has worked with Galloway for more than 30 years.
Last week, Victoria lawyer and environmental law expert Murray Rankin announced his bid for the NDP nomination.
Rankin is the co-chairman of the Environmental Law Centre at UVic. He said his opposition to Enbridge's proposed Northern Gateway pipeline was a driving factor in his decision to run.
Others considering a run include Victoria school board trustee Charley Beresford.
Despite news reports and speculation, Victoria MLA and former NDP leader Carole James said she had committed to run provincially and would not run for Savoie's seat. Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin and Coun. Marianne Alto have also said they would not run.
The federal Victoria riding has been held by the NDP for the past five years and by the Liberals for 13 years before that.
A byelection date has not yet been set by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The Green nomination vote is set for Sept. 29, while the NDP will choose its candidate Oct. 14. [email protected]
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