Liberal nominees in Kamloops-North Thompson ready on eve of vote

Nov 18, 2016 | 3:01 PM

KAMLOOPS — Nearly three months of hard work from three Liberal nominees for Kamloops-North Thompson comes down to a vote on Saturday.

Peter Milobar, Steve Puhallo, and Mike Grenier have been travelling throughout the riding, which stretches as far north as Blue River. 

WATCH: Full report by Chad Klassen

For Puhallo, the first to put his name in the running in September, it’s been a long, gruelling process for the long-time Liberal supporter. But there are still work in getting the estimated 1,000 eligible voters to the polls. 

“Just making sure people know when it is, know where it is, know what time it is, then following up with them, and tomorrow we’ll be doing the same thing and encouraging people to come out and vote and pick the person they think will best represent them in the next provincial election,” says Puhallo.

Milobar joined the race four days after Puhallo. His two and a half month campaign has taken him to Sun Peaks, Barriere, Clearwater and beyond. 

“I’m quite happy I was able to get up the valley several times and meet with different groups, up into Sun Peaks, and get a newer take on what individual residents and organizations have for concerns moving forward,” says Milobar. “That’s part of the key is, over four years you’re always going to have issues that come up and come to the surface. It’s really about, as MLA, being supportive of all in the community.”

For businessman Mike Grenier, who’s run on his promise to offer a new voice with fresh ideas, he’s ready to step in and fulfill what he’s heard from voters.

“There’s a four-point plan for Kamloops Airport. Up in the north valley, it’s clear we’ve got to get people on the information highway,” Grenier notes. “The physical highway is important, but the information highway is critical for growing the communities and teaching our kids and attracting doctors.”

But it will be up to the thousand eligible voters to decide who will replace Terry Lake, who stepped down after two terms. 

“I think everyone has their own strengths. I think as a party, we were very fortunate that we had three very strong candidates to choose from, and that doesn’t happen in nominations, let alone as we’ve seen,” says Milobar. “This is the only party that’s having a full-on nomination race. I think it’s speaks to the strength of the party in general.”