THE BC Liberals on Wednesday announced that leadership expert, Special Forces veteran and father James Robertson will be acclaimed as the party’s candidate for Port Moody-Coquitlam in the next provincial election.

Robertson is expected to be officially acclaimed at a nomination meeting on March 8 and the party hopes that he will close the gap of 1,844 votes that separated the BC Liberals and the NDP in 2017.

“I look forward to working with James as he steps up to represent the residents of Port Moody-Coquitlam,” said Andrew Wilkinson, BC Liberal leader. “While John Horgan’s NDP have been letting down British Columbians by increasing the cost of everyday life, James understands the diverse needs of the changing population in the Tri-Cities and is dedicated to making life more affordable – especially for young families like his own.”

“Port Moody-Coquitlam is a beautiful, rapidly growing community that attracts individuals and families from all over BC,” said Robertson. “We need a government that will prioritize housing affordability, rapid transit, and economic opportunity for people working hard to make ends meet, to make sure that you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.”

The BC Liberals have already held candidate selection meetings in Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows and Abbotsford South, and will hold one in Oak Bay-Gordon Head on April 4. Nominations are open in eight other ridings throughout British Columbia, with many more to come in the weeks ahead.

ROBERTSON is a leadership coach, management consultant, father, and veteran. He saw combat action in Afghanistan while commanding elements of Canada’s elite Special Forces unit, and conducted domestic operations during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games to ensure public safety and security.

Upon retirement from active service, he completed the Master of Business Administration degree at Royal Roads University, and commenced work as a consultant, leveraging his leadership skills to improve business performance while gaining insight into the communities they serve in BC.

His experience working as a Leadership Team Coach at Vancouver Coastal Health has provided him with the unique perspective of individuals working in collaborative spaces, and the complex challenges of the healthcare system.

As a community leader, James has served as a member of a board of directors and volunteer for the Port Moody Arts Centre Society and the Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society.

With distinct leadership, diverse experience, and trusted values, The B.C. Liberals say Robertson is ready to promote his constituents’ voice and provide opportunities for Port Moody-Coquitlam.