Salmon Arm businessman Mel Arnold has announced his intention to seek the nomination for the Conservative Party of Canada, North Okanagan-Shuswap riding.
With the news that Colin Mayes intends to retire in 2015, Arnold says the encouragement from his family, friends and associates to seek the nomination “has been overwhelming.”
Arnold, a lifetime resident of the Shuswap, has operated Complete Marine for 25 years. He is a past-president of the BC Wildlife Federation and current chair of the Canadian Wildlife Federation Governance committee.
At the community level, Arnold has played an active role in Rotary, the local fish and game club, Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce, and is currently president of the Shuswap Pro Development Association.
“My background in business and managing large organizations has helped me develop a deep respect for fiscal responsibility and efficient governance – core pillars of the Conservative Party of Canada,” said Arnold. “There are a wide range of issues across the riding, ranging from highway improvements to economic development and job creation that will be foremost in my efforts for the people of the riding when I win the nomination.”
The North Okanagan-Shuswap Conservative Association has not yet decided how the candidate selection process will run, but president Linda Hawes says they are actively seeking candidates for the position, possibly having someone in place as early as this fall.
The next federal election will take place in 2015.