BC Liberal members in Abbotsford South have selected city councillor and former mayor Bruce Banman to be their candidate in the riding as they prepare for the next provincial election, which could come at any time.

More than 1,400 party members in Abbotsford South came out to vote among three candidates as the BC Liberals continue the party’s renewal – making this the largest political gathering in British Columbia since before the 2017 election.

“I’d like to congratulate Bruce, Markus, and Lakhwinder for all their hard work engaging with the community in Abbotsford South,” said Andrew Wilkinson, BC Liberal leader. “I’m looking forward to working with Bruce as we continue to build our renewed and refreshed party in anticipation of the upcoming election. With John Horgan’s NDP making life more unaffordable for British Columbians, we need a strong voice in every corner of BC to provide opportunity for all.”

“It is an honour to be nominated as the next BC Liberal candidate for Abbotsford South,” said Bruce Banman. “I want to thank my fellow nomination contestants for their remarkable contributions, both to this nomination process and to Abbotsford. I look forward to working hard for the people of Abbotsford South, and ensuring that we have a strong free enterprise voice in Victoria.”

Bruce Banman is the second candidate to be nominated by the party for the next election, as the BC Liberals continue to open nominations throughout BC. There are currently 10 ridings with open nominations, with candidate selection meetings scheduled for Port Moody-Coquitlam on March 8 and Oak Bay-Gordon Head on April 4.

BANMAN has been a resident of Abbotsford since 1982. He served as the mayor of Abbotsford.

He entered municipal politics again in 2018, this time running for City Council. Bruce is a strong advocate for agricultural issues and affordable housing.

Before entering politics, Bruce worked as a chiropractor and owned his own small business.