By Times Chronicle Staff
The federal NDP party has completed its local candidate race with party members casting their votes this past weekend for four nominees. Penticton’s Linday Sankey emerged victorious and is now set to run in the next federal election for the Similkameen – South Okanagan – West Kootenay riding which is widely anticipated to be this spring.
“I am honoured that our longtime members have placed their trust in me to carry the amazing work on our MP Richard Cannings forward,” shared Sankey. Cannings has won the riding in the past three elections.
“Linda Sankey is a powerful voice that has led our community on important issues like housing, healthcare access, affordability, small business support, community safety, food security, and climate change readiness.
“We need to do everything possible to stop Conservatives and their agenda to gut the services we rely upon. Linda Sankey is the only one that can do that in Similkameen – South Okanagan – West Kootenay,” said Cannings.
“Our communities are facing some serious challenges and need an advocate that understands what they are facing, Sankey said. “I am ready to bring my 30 years of experience to Ottawa to ensure our government is making decisions that reflect the needs of our unique region.”
Richard Cannings, the NDP Member of Parliament for the Similkameen – South Okanagan – West Kootenay riding, announced in Sept. 2024 that he would not be seeking re-election in the next federal election, citing age as the reason. Cannings, 69, was first elected to Parliament in 2015, then again in 2019 and 2021.
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Sankey has been actively involved in the South Okanagan working with both local and provincial governments. This includes involvement with the City of Penticton Housing Task Force and as current Co-Chair of the 100 More Homes Penticton Collaborative an initiative that has been successful in bringing temporary winter shelters connecting 65 individuals to life-saving services.
Sankey has worked with BC Housing and is currently the Executive Director of the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society managing multiple housing projects, large capital projects and complex relationships at all levels of government. Sankey also recently served on the Penticton Chamber of Commerce.
“Industries in our region are struggling and with new threats from our southern neighbours, we need someone who has the trust and confidence of business, I am that person. Families, seniors, and young professionals need to be able to thrive in our region. To achieve that the federal government needs to do its part” said Sankey.
“I’m thrilled to have Linda joining the NDP team,” said Canada’s NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. “She’s spent her life in Similkameen – South Okanagan – West Kootenay and knows the people and needs of her community.”
“Times are tough, costs are sky-high, and now we’re facing threats from Donald Trump. Hardworking people need someone in their corner who’s fighting for them, not Conservatives who will cut to give more to billionaires. Linda is on your side,” Singh added.
