Image Credit: Sarah Eves

By Michael Reeve / Q-101 Merritt

Federal Politics

Merritt teacher seeking federal Liberal nomination

Jan 6, 2021 | 9:48 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — Sarah Eves has been a special education teacher for 12 years, and it’s helping people, like her students, which she says inspired her to seek the Liberal nomination.

“I decided to put my name forward because as a teacher I’m able to help one kid, one class at a time. I feel if I want to keep doing that work around making our society better and helping people out I needed a role that gave me access to doing more long-term changes,” said Eves.

Eves is currently going through the vetting process with the party to formally put her name forward for the nomination ahead of the next federal election.

Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola has only been represented by Conservative Dan Albas since its creation prior to the 2013 election. Going back further, the riding which has encompassed Merritt was last served by a left of centre politician between 1988-1993 when the NDP won the seat. Despite the history, Eves believes the seat can be won by ‘progressive voters.’

“I believe it for two reasons,” began Eves. “With what’s been going on in our Country with the pandemic and the work that the Liberals have been doing, there is a real resonance that they are taking care of all Canadians. The policies being put in place are to help businesses, people, everybody.”

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“The second part is, if you look at the last several elections in this riding and look at the progressive vote, there are more progressive votes than conservative votes. What happens is that people vote Liberal, Green, or NDP, which allows the conservatives to win the seat with 36-38%. I believe that if we work hard and get people talking now when there is a federal election, progressives can work together to ensure that voice is represented in Ottawa,” added Eves.

Eves addressed that she’s already hearing from constituents that some feel under-represented in Ottawa.

“Working in Logan Lake, they feel that they are often under-represented. Same with people I’ve been talking to in Merritt, and that they aren’t understood. Really because unless you come from a smaller community it’s hard to get what we need. My priority would be bringing that rural perspective but at the same time not forgetting the urban area that is West Kelowna,” said Eves.

While an election could be called at any time under the current minority government, Eves is hoping the current government can continue to operate with the support of the opposition.

“First and foremost I hope that the election doesn’t happen anytime soon. My hope is that all of the parties can continue to work together. However, if an election is called I do feel ready,” concluded Eves.

In the last election, the Liberals were represented by Mary Ann Murphy who received 25% of the vote, finishing second behind MP Albas who garnered the support of 47.9% of voters.