Kelowna city councillor Mohini Singh is looking to win the BC United Party nomination to represent Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream in the next provincial election.
In an interview with the Lake Country Calendar, Singh said the large and diverse riding needs a voice at the table.
“We need to have someone with strength, someone who has experience, someone who will hit the ground running.”
The riding is currently represented by Norm Letnick, who will not be running in the next provincial election, which must take place by Oct. 24, 2024.
Provincial ridings were redrawn this year with Coldstream, Lavington and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park being added to to the redrawn existing Kelowna-Lake Country riding.
Singh, a former journalist and communications officer for the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, added she has the experience to represent the riding. “I’m familiar with the issues, I’m familiar with the people and what is important for this region. I want to be that strong voice that gives the people of this riding a voice at the table in Victoria.”
Singh added that one of her main concerns is affordability for all British Columbians.
“Many are struggling with food prices, struggling with finding daycare for our children and trying to keep a home together. I want to go to that table and come up with constructive ways on how I can make your life better.”
She’s also keen on promoting agriculture in the region.
“But I think the time has come when we can no longer do traditional agriculture. We need to give producers the opportunity to have more value-added products to enhance their business.
“We had the cherry export program under the BC Liberals, that has sent our cherries worldwide.”
Singh said living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the past 25 years has taught her much about dealing with adversity and overcoming challenges.
“I bring the same determination, and tenacity to politics.”
She is also a believer in standing up when government decisions are made that negatively impact communities, referring to Starbright Children’s Development Centre losing its funding.
“That was an example of what never to do because this hurts the most vulnerable, our children.”
The province eventually extended Starbright’s funding, but only until 2025.
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Singh said she chose BC United after reading leader Kevin Falcon’s policies on several issues facing British Columbians, particularly crime and homelessness.
“I thought yes, I can be part of this, because this looks like it’s more solution-oriented, and that’s what brought me to the table. I have served people for 30 years in many ways and I want to continue to serve the community this time at the provincial level.”
Adam Wilson, who was campaign manager for Mayor Tom Dyas in his successful bid for mayor, is also seeking the nomination.