The B.C. NDP have acclaimed their candidate for the Kelowna-West riding.

Shelley Cook, former executive director of the John Howard Society in Kelowna was nominated during an NDP nomination meeting on March 18.

Cook is competing in the riding against Premier Christy Clark.

乌鸦传媒淧eople who know me know that anything I do, I come into it with my eyes wide open and so I think, it乌鸦传媒檚 an interesting time to be involved. There乌鸦传媒檚 a changing demographic in Kelowna乌鸦传媒� for me, I乌鸦传媒檓 excited to get out there,乌鸦传媒� said Cook.

Cook, who is originally from Kelowna and is a PhD student in community, culture and global studies (urban geography) at UBC Okanagan, is also currently leading two research studies on homelessness in the city.

乌鸦传媒淚 have very deep roots in this community. I have a very strong connection. My grandparents are buried on Glenmore. Everywhere I look, I see my childhood. There乌鸦传媒檚 no community I乌鸦传媒檓 more connected to,乌鸦传媒� she said.

Coming from the social services perspective, Cook said she has a unique perspective on the way policies are implemented at the ground level.

乌鸦传媒淚乌鸦传媒檓 here in the community and that乌鸦传媒檚 what sets me apart (from Clark),乌鸦传媒� she said.

Cook will be having conversations that go beyond the NDP push for a province-wide $15 minimum wage initiative.

乌鸦传媒淚f employers don乌鸦传媒檛 have staff because they can乌鸦传媒檛 afford to live here, they乌鸦传媒檙e going to have bigger problems than a $15 minimum wage.乌鸦传媒�

NDP MLA for Vancouver-Hastings Shane Simpson was also in attendance during the acclamation at the BCGEU office on Borden Road in Kelowna.

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