Biologist and author Richard Cannings will be seeking the nomination for the NDP in the new federal riding of South Okanagan-West Kootenay.

Cannings said it will be difficult to fill current MP Alex Atamanenko’s shoes.

“He’s been a very effective and well-respected representative for this riding over the past eight years.”

Cannings was the NDP candidate in Penticton during the recent provincial election.  “When I was knocking on doors last spring, people kept telling me how disappointed they were in the Harper government, and I had to agree whole-heartedly with them,” Cannings said. “This government has demeaned Canada’s reputation at home and throughout the world on foreign policy, on climate change and with a shameless disregard for democratic principles,” he said.

Cannings lives in Penticton and runs his own business.