Clay Pountney, former chief of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, has been announced as the BC NDP candidate in Prince George-Valemount.
Pountney, a 30-year resident of Prince George, has worked in the trades and in roles in the forestry, mining, oil and gas sectors.
His experience with resource workers and his tenure as chief of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, where he worked with other levels of government to develop homes and infrastructure, have prepared him for the challenges of serving as an MLA, the party states in the announcement.
“My neighbours in Prince George-Valemount are facing significant challenges, and the BC NDP is addressing them head-on by building homes, curbing speculators who drive up prices, strengthening healthcare by hiring and training more doctors, nurses, and health practitioners, and finding new ways to ease financial burdens,” Pountney said. “(Conservative Leader) John Rustad has proposed cutting $4.1 billion from our healthcare budget. His past and future decisions will cost you more. We can’t afford that risk.”
The only other candidate in the riding announced so far is Rosalyn Byrd for the BC Conservatives. Incumbent Shirley Bond decided against another run when BC United Leader Kevin Falcon ended the party's campaign last month.
“Clay understands that resource workers need a government that supports them. With his background as a roofer, oil and gas machinist, and mining technician, he has faced their challenges firsthand. As an elected official, he has worked to improve life for people. He’s prepared to address major issues so people can thrive in their communities,” Premier David Eby said. “Residents of Prince George-Valemount can rely on him to advocate for affordable housing, dependable healthcare, and a more affordable cost of living.”
