FRIDAY DECEMBER 28, 2012
www.pqbnews.com
Official newspaper of the Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals
YEAR IN REVIEW
LAZY MIKE UP FOR SHADY SHOW
A5
B1
Reporter Lissa Alexander has all the info you need to plan New Year’s Eve
We begin our look back at 2012 — Today: January-April
B.C. LIBERAL PARTY NOMINATION RACE
Challenger emerges Patrick Chenier, Michelle Stilwell the only declared candidates JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
Patrick Chenier says he knows he has a tough hill to climb, but he is ready for the challenge. Chenier announced this week he will seek the B.C. Liberal nomination for the riding of Parksville-Qualicum. Current MLA Ron Cantelon announced recently he would not be seeking a third term in the legislature and The NEWS broke the story last week that Paralympics champion Michelle Stilwell is seeking the nomination. The local B.C. Liberals will hold their nomination meeting Jan. 8 in Parksville. Chenier lives in the Errington area with his wife Niki Stanford. They have two adult children and one grandchild. He said he knows he has a tough battle ahead against Stilwell. “There is a challenge around name recognition, I don’t deny that,� said Chenier, who has a masters degree in education but has worked in the financial services industry, most recently in Parksville with Edward Jones. “But I do have a strong background and experience in municipal, provincial and federal politics.� Chenier ran for council in Saanich in 2008. He finished 10th of 11 candidates. Eight were elected to council. He also ran for the same position in 2005 and finished 15th in a field of 17. “I was unsuccessful but I gave it a good run,� he said. “It was a rewarding experience.� Chenier has lived in this riding for about two-and-a-half years. He said he joined the B.C. Liberal Party three weeks ago. “I haven’t actually been involved locally with the B.C. Liberals,� he said. “This would allow me to give back to the community I love and make a difference.� He was asked if there are any local issues that should be in the forefront in either nomination race or the May 2013 election but he declined to address specifics: “I don’t want to be aligning myself to one issue.� Chenier said he believes Cantelon has done a good job representing Parksville-Qualicum these past two terms. “It would be quite an honour, if I’m successful, to follow in his footsteps.�
LISSA ALEXANDER PHOTO
SEASONAL ROAST: Avery Schug and mom Kim roast marshmallows at Morningstar Farm’s Christmas at the Farm event Dec. 22.
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Friday Feb. 22, 2013
Spend your evening tasting BC’s best wineries and local cuisine provided by some of the regions finest restaurants and purveyors of food. THE
5JDLFUT BSF 0WFSOJHIU QBDLBHFT BSF BWBJMBCMF Visit www.parksvilleuncorked.com for more info. & events. 250-248-8999
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