Retired Mountie Garry Begg will be seeking the federal NDP nomination in Surrey’s Fleetwood-Port Kells riding.
The riding is currently held by Conservative MP Nena Grewal, first elected in 2004.
With the October election just four months away, pundits are already calling the race in Fleetwood-Port Kells one to watch.
Begg, an RCMP officer for 38 years, says he now wants to serve the community as an MP in “Canada’s first-ever NDP government.”
The former inspector made his formal announcement to seek the party’s nomination June 11 at Fleetwood Park, where he was joined by NDP MPs Jasbir Singh (Surrey-North) and Jinny Simms (Newton-North Delta).
He applauded their work as MPs to counter gang violence.
“As your Member of Parliament, I will work with Jinny and Jasbir for more police on the street, and more support for gang prevention programs,” Beggs said.
He also praised NDP leader Thomas Mulcair, saying he has the “experience and the principles to replace Stephen Harper.”
Begg said he’s seen first-hand the impact of Conservative neglect, and wants to be part of building positive solutions with the Mulcair-led NDP to work for safer neighbourhoods, better transit, reduced traffic congestion and more affordable housing.
On Facebook, Begg said the most important thing is to win the nomination, and urged supporters to join the NDP.
A nomination meeting date has not yet been set.
The federal riding of Fleetwood-Port Kells starts at 88 Avenue at the eastern edge of the city, and north to the Fraser River and Barnston Island, and runs west through Port Kells. At 176 Street, it dips south to the Serpentine River to 68 Avenue, and heads west to 144 Street, and then north to 148 Street, east to 152 at 100 Avenue, and north across Highway 1 to the Fraser River.
Find a map of the updated Fleetwood-Port Kells boundaries, visit elections.ca.