Clinton Emslie, an immigration consultant from Quesnel, has been confirmed as the Liberal candidate for Cariboo-Prince George in the upcoming federal election.
Emslie’s candidacy was officially announced on Friday, April 4. In a campaign statement, Emslie outlined his vision for the region, emphasizing leadership driven by experience, compassion, and practical solutions.
"In these defining moments for our nation, Canada needs leadership grounded in experience, guided by compassion, and driven by solutions,” Emslie said. “Under the strong, steady hand of Mark Carney, the Liberal Party is ready to lead Canada into a future that is not only economically resilient but also fair, inclusive, and united.”
He'll be running against incumbent Todd Doherty of the Conservatives, the NDP's Angie Bonazzo, the Green Party's Jodie Capling, People’s Party candidate Rudy Sans and Christian Heritage Party candidate Jake Wiens.
Emslie’s candidacy was confirmed just as the Liberal Party also announced that Peter Njenga has been acclaimed as the candidate for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies.
Njenga, who works in real estate in Nanaimo, will be on the ballot against incumbent Bob Zimmer of the Conservatives, the NDP's Cory Longley, the Green Party's Mary Forbes and David Watson of the People's Party of Canada.
In a 2015 profile in The Abbostford News, Njenga is described as having been born in Kenya and earning his degree in commerce there before moving to the United States in 2001. He eventually moved to Canada. He has worked as an accountant before running for the Liberals in Abbotsford in the 2015 election; he came in second with 15,777 votes behind Conservative Ed Fast's 22,229.
He doesn't appear to have any personal or professional connection to Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, unlike Elmslie, who lives in Cariboo-Prince George.
In his campaign statement, Emslie highlighted the Liberal Party's commitment to progress, citing past achievements such as championing universal healthcare, supporting families, investing in clean growth, and promoting reconciliation. He also credited the Liberal government for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included delivering crucial support to families, workers, and small businesses.
However, Emslie acknowledged that while recovery efforts continue, the region faces significant challenges. In particular, he pointed to the impact of escalating tariff wars on the local timber industry, which he described as the “backbone” of Northern BC.
Emslie argued that when forestry suffers, the entire region is affected, leading to job losses, business struggles, and weakened communities.
"An attack on our timber economy is an attack on every resident who depends on it for stability and survival," he stated.
Emslie also addressed the rising cost of living, noting the increasing difficulty families face in affording essentials such as fuel, groceries, and housing. He called for bold and compassionate leadership to address these immediate challenges.
Canadians vote on April 28.
