Four candidates have declared their intentions to represent the riding of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola in the upcoming federal election, but at present, none are listed on the Elections Canada website.
The federal election writ was dropped almost four weeks ago and while candidate signs have already gone up, the nomination papers have not yet been filed.
John Enright, an Elections Canada spokesperson, said the lack of candidates is common at this stage of the election campaign. The nomination period will remain open until Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.
Incumbent Dan Albas of the Conservative Party will seek re-election. He was first elected to the House of Commons in 2011. Earlier, he was a municipal councillor in Penticton.
Before entering politics, he was the owner of Kick City Martial Arts. He received Penticton’s 2005 Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Robert Mellalieu will represent the Green Party.
In 1993, he launched F1 Computer Services. He has also instructed computer classes at Okanagan College and the University of British Columbia.
Mellalieu has volunteered with Big Brothers, Freedom’s Door, Rotary, Antique and Classic Boat Society and the Green Parties of British Columbia and Canada.
Karley Scott is the Liberal Party candidate for this riding.
She spent 10 years as a federal public servant, delivering programs and services to Aboriginal communities.
She received her Bachelor of Laws degree in 2012 and works as an associate at a Kelowna law firm.
Angelique Wood, the New Democratic Party’s candidate, served as the Area G Director on the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. She is also a volunteer firefighter in Hedley. Wood has served on numerous boards in the region including the Hedley Heritage Museum Society, the Princeton Traditional Music Society and the Hedley Community Club.