JOHN Horgan gained the support on Friday of three Tri-Cities heavyweights and another former B.C. NDP leader in his bid to lead the B.C. NDP.

Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson, former Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Joe Trasolini, former interim B.C. NDP leader Dawn Black and New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody MP Fin Donnelly endorsed Horgan at an economy and affordability roundtable with Tri-Cities community leaders.

“We have to win in the interior and we have to win in the suburbs if we are going to form government,” said Horgan. “Selina, Joe, Dawn and Fin will be key to that effort and I’m so excited to have them join my team.”
Robinson, elected in 2013, is Opposition Critic for Local Government and Sports.

“John understands families want safe, affordable communities, with good services,” said Robinson. “He knows that B.C. Liberal rate hikes and service cuts are hurting communities like ours and he is the leader who can beat the B.C. Liberals in 2017.”

Trasolini is a former NDP MLA and four-term mayor of Port Moody. He will also lead an economic advisory committee for the Horgan campaign.

“John is committed to spurring an economy that works for everyone,” said Trasolini. “He gets that small business, industry, tourism and the arts all play key rolls, and he will ensure they have the support they need to provide good jobs throughout B.C.”

Dawn Black is the retired MLA for New Westminster and a former MP. She served as the B.C. NDP’s interim leader in 2011.

“The B.C. NDP must renew itself with a focus on economic growth and reducing inequality,” said Black. “I’m proud to support John because he will lead that renewal.”

Fin Donnelly, elected in 2009, is federal Deputy Critic for Fisheries and Oceans and for Infrastructure.

“I’m impressed by John’s emphasis on teamwork,” said Donnelly. ”He’s reaching out and bringing people together to tackle the challenges British Columbians face.”