Parent named NDP's candidate for Prince George-Valemount

The New Democratic Party has turned to youth in its attempt to take Prince George-Valemount.

Laura Parent, a 21-year-old political science student at the University of Northern British Columbia will be the NDP's candidate in the riding, the party confirmed Wednesday.

In an interview, Parent said she has been involved in the NDP for about three years and worked as a volunteer on the campaigns for Natalie Fletcher in Prince George-Valemount and Bobby Deepak in Prince George-Mackenzie during the 2017 provincial election.

Parent said she took her inspiration from Madeline Lalonde, an equally-youthful woman who ran for the NDP in 2017 against BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson in Vancouver-Quilchena.

"She's been kind of a role model for me for the past few years and when there was an opening and a shot at being the candidate, I thought I would move forward and put my name in."

Parent acknowledged her youthful age.

"I'm a little bit new to the political sphere, but I'm excited and I can't wait to get started," Parent said.

She also acknowledged that she will be going up against incumbent B.C. Liberal Shirley Bond, who is seeking her sixth successive term as MLA. She said Bond has served the riding well, "but I hope voters will consider someone who is young and energetic and professional and ready to work hard for the riding."

Issues near and dear to Parent include accessibilty of services, particularly for seniors and vulnerable people, drawing more services to northern B.C. and developing a sustainable economy in the region.

"Obviously, the forest industry in Prince George is struggling - Prince George and surrounding areas - and that needs to be the utmost in terms of the government's attention," Parent said.

"And while I'm so, so pleased to see what they have done so far, I can't wait to see what a voice from this riding in the legislature would mean and how we could move forward with that."

Born and raised in Prince George, Parent graduated from Kelly Road Secondary School. Away from school and politics, Parent said she is a scout leader and works primarily with kids ages 8-10.

Parent's confirmation as the candidate came as Prince George lawyer Jon Duncan turned to Facebook to say the NDP denied his bid to become the candidate for the riding because his past views on the switch to no-fault automobile insurance clashed with those of the party.

However, Duncan said he will continue to support the NDP and will campaign for Joan Atkinson, who is running for the party in Prince George-Mackenzie.

And when reached for comment, Duncan expressed support for Parent.

"I'm glad to see that," he said. "I know her very well. I've served on the riding executive with her, she's a very capable young woman."