Revelstoke resident seeks federal Green Party nomination

Revelstoke resident Rana Nelson is seeking the nomination for the federal Green Party in the Kootenay-Columbia riding, competing against Jason Leus of Ymir, and Keith Wiley and Tom Prior of Nelson to be the Green Party candidate in the next election.

“I feel compelled to be of service. I’ve always worked and volunteered in areas to help people have better life, work, and travel experiences. I matched clients and employers at WorkBC, I co-led the group to bring a Syrian family to Revelstoke, I supported families of people with mental health challenges for the BC Schizophrenia Society, I worked with businesses and visitors for Terrace Tourism, I’m a director with Revelstoke Community Housing Society, and I work with international students and their host families in my current position at Rocky Mountain International Student Program,” Nelson said in a statement.

Nelson said she helped out on candidate Abra Brynne’s campaign in the 2019 election and was attracted to the Greens because she wants to serve the riding. “Elected representatives work for the people. I want to know what matters to you regardless of how you vote and I want to help you access what you need. Collaboration and respect across parties will help us more than conflict and recriminations. Let’s put a little love into politics!”

She said her experiences living in various communities in B.C. and in Ottawa has given her an understanding of challenges and opportunities residents face. “I’ve lived in and travelled all over Canada, including three years in Telegraph Creek, BC in Tahltan Territory, and four years in Ottawa. My husband and I have three children between the ages of 10 and 17, and we all speak French to varying degrees. I’m not afraid to speak up (in French or English) when I see something unjust and I know I can be a strong voice in Ottawa for small businesses, healthcare, water and land protection, infrastructure and a healthy economy in Kootenay-Columbia,” she said.

Nelson said she wants to hear from Kootenay-Columbia constituents. “Please contact me at [email protected]. I want to talk with you about what matters to you, your family, and your community.”

Election update

The next federal election is scheduled for on or before Oct. 16, 2023. The Liberal Party currently forms a minority government. The election can happen prior to that date due to a motion of no confidence, or if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recommends a snap election.

Currently, the federal Liberals are ahead in the polls over second place Conservatives, with the NDP in third. The Greens and Bloc Quebecois are are near even in fourth place.