An unbridled wave of election fever appears to be sweeping over South Surrey–White Rock– Cloverdale, where three new candidates came forward in advance of this week’s close of nominations.
That adds up to nine hopefuls vying for the seat held by Conservative incumbent Russ Hiebert since 2004.
Two more independents – Kevin Peter Donohoe and David Hawkins, a former B.C. Reform Party candidate – and Progressive Canadian Party candidate Brian Marlatt are now among the list of confirmed candidates, according to Elections Canada.
Marlatt, a former Progressive Conservative, also ran in 2008 and 2006 under the Progressive Canadian banner.
Hawkins, also listed as the current leader of the B.C. Reform party, ran in Surrey-White Rock in the 2009 provincial election.
Previously confirmed candidates include Christian Heritage Party candidate Mike Schouten, Liberal candidate Hardy Staub, New Democrat Susan Keeping, Green Party candidate Larry Colero and independent conservative Aart Looye.
Canadians go to the polls May 2.
All candidates' forum
An all-candidates forum for South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale is planned for Wednesday (April 20), in White Rock, hosted by the South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce.
The forum gets underway at 7 p.m. at Star of the Sea Hall at 15262 Pacific Avenue. Submit questions to admin@sswrchamber.com, by fax at 604-536-4994, or by hand to 100 15261 Russell Avenue.
Questions may be directed to individual or all candidates. There will also be an opportunity to submit written questions from the floor.
Tuesday night (April 19), also in White Rock, the Council of Canadians is also hosting an all candidates forum. It will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Avenue.
‘MIKE’ LIKERS
Cloverdale's Mike Schouten says his campaign signs have been disappearing across the electoral district.
The CHP candidate doubts the thefts are politically motivated.
He suspects the signs – printed with an “I like Mike” logo – are a collector’s item.
“They think, ‘That’s great. I know somebody named Mike,’” he said, explaining the signs have been removed but not the posts holding them up.
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