Former Tobiano developer Michael Grenier announces BC Liberal nomination

Sep 15, 2016 | 4:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — Former Tobiano developer Michael Grenier has made it official, he is throwing his hat into the political ring.

Thursday morning, Grenier used the Kamloops Airport as the backdrop to announce he is running for the Kamloops-North Thompson BC Liberal nomination, ahead of next spring’s provincial election. The Sun Peaks resident says he’s committed to bringing new ideas to the political race, and believes that’s what it takes to win votes. 

“I believe and I’ve seen it first hand with Tobiano, that great ideas get traction, and people that have momentum and fire in their  belly to get things done, they’re not put off by how many people they sign up in a day, I think what’s going to happen is come voting day, people are going to say I like that guy’s ideas,” says Michael Grenier.

Grenier outlined four campaign planks to improve the airport and create jobs, including a hotel, and offering aviation programs for TRU like a commercial pilot training school. He wants Fulton Field to be declared a free trade zone, and a cabotage designation, to encourage direct flights from Kamloops to foreign destinations. Grenier says it doesn’t stop there, he will release more ideas for economic development during the nomination race.

“This facility serves people from one end of the riding to the other, so it’s a natural place to start, I’ll be focusing on things up in the Wells Gray area, Clearwater, Blue River, Sun Peaks, Paul Lake, there’s lots of things to talk about we’re just starting, I want a healthy debate about great fresh ideas for the constituents and particularly BC Liberal members that have to make a choice,” says Grenier.

Michael Grenier will be the third candidate for the nomination to succeed Terry Lake, joining North Shore Business Improvement Association Executive Director Steven Puhallo, and Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar.