Members of the Kootenay – Columbia Federal Riding Association have chosen former District of Invermere Mayor Mark Shmigelsky to represent them in the next federal election. A large group gathered from across the riding to vote in this important election.

Shmigelsky, who is considered to be a candidate with wide appeal beyond partisan boundaries, received a strong mandate proving that members are ready to take back this riding for the NDP.

“Winning back this riding will be a huge task,” said Shmigelsky in his speech. “But it is one that excites me. And if we are to regain a voice in this riding, we must have a candidate who can draw votes from across the political spectrum.”

Shmigelsky has a considerable political track record that includes 15 years in local government where he was known to be a fighter and a forward thinker.

“Our current MP, Jim Abbott, lost his voice the moment Stephen Harper became his leader. The Prime Minister’s Office has total control from shutting down parliament, to avoiding the issues, to controlling every word that an MP says,” continued Shmigelsky.

“In this riding, we have lost our voice in Ottawa and I am determined to get it back. I am determined to bring back a sense of real democracy and to make it possible for citizens of this riding to actually participate in it.”

In an interview with Shmigelsky he said that he was very appreciative of the support he had received from members in the area and was now looking forward to the next step leading into an election whenever it comes.

He also spoke of how he feels the people in the Kootenay-Columbia region are ready for a new voice in Ottawa and he is looking forward to hearing what they have to say and making decisions for a better future in the area.

Shmigelsky will begin to travel throughout the riding in preparation for the upcoming federal election. Those who are interested in volunteering on Shmigelsky’s campaign are encouraged to contact him by email at markyrballot@gmail.com.