JOINED by supporters from across the province, Andrew Wilkinson, MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena, on Monday announced his candidacy for leader of the BC Liberal Party.

Liberal MLA and former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan announced his leadership bid last week on Thursday, while former Surrey mayor and Conservative MP Dianne Watts announced her candidacy on Sunday.

Former Liberal cabinet ministers Mike de Jong, Mike Bernier and Todd Stone as well as MLA Michael Lee are expected to join the leadership race in the coming days.

Raised in Kamloops and a former family doctor in Dease Lake and Campbell River, Wilkinson says he has a deep understanding of British Columbians from all parts of the province, and from all walks of life.

Mary Polak, MLA for Langley, introduced Andrew to an energetic crowd with a ringing endorsement: “I believe that Andrew Wilkinson represents the best chance for the BC Liberal Party to renew itself – thanks to his willingness to listen, learn, and lead. Andrew is ready to be premier today, and that’s what sets him apart from the rest.”

“I am running because I believe it’s time for a leader who will address the needs of all parts of British Columbia,” said Wilkinson. “It’s time we started listening again. And it’s time to ensure every British Columbian gets a fair chance at success. We do that by creating safe and healthy communities, providing the best education system in the world, and ensuring B.C. is affordable and livable for our kids and grandkids.”

Wilkinson will be travelling extensively throughout the province to hear from and consult with British Columbians.

“In this race, the best choice for leader will be the person who understands all of B.C.,” said Wilkinson. “I’ve lived and worked in communities across this great province. I’ve heard the challenges people face in their day to day lives – from Campbell River to Dease Lake to Coquitlam. They need a voice in Victoria who has the experience, sees the opportunity, and can lead British Columbia forward. They need a leader for all B.C.”

Over the coming months, Wilkinson said he will provide further details on his vision for B.C. More information can be found at www.andrewwilkinson.ca

Andrew, a two-term MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena, is a former physician, lawyer, public servant, and member of cabinet. Andrew was raised in Kamloops, B.C. He lives in Vancouver with his family and their yellow labrador Rosie. To watch Andrew’s story, go to:  http://tinyurl.com/yaaz6oxb

Support from other BC Liberal MLAs:

Michelle Stilwell (MLA, Parksville-Qualicum): “Having served in cabinet alongside Andrew I have seen his genuine passion for making BC a better place to live. His thoughtful empathetic decision-making ability is what the BC Liberal Party and British Columbia needs.”

Donna Barnett (MLA, Cariboo-Chilcotin): “I have known Andrew for years and have seen first-hand his ability to work with people from all walks of life toward constructive solutions to complex problems. Andrew is a true born leader, ready to unite the BC Liberal Party now, and has the drive and intelligence to strengthen British Columbia’s free enterprise coalition. He realizes this is a province of resilient, hard-working and diverse citizens and understands a successful leader cares for the common good of all. I am proud to be supporting him.”

Doug Clovechok (MLA, Columbia River-Revelstoke): “While he may live in Vancouver, Andrew is an interior guy in his heart. He knows how important the resource, tourism and agricultural economy is to all of British Columbia’s prosperity. I am proud to support Andrew for leadership of the BC Liberal Party.”