Stewart To Seek Liberal Nomination

A former Liberal cabinet minister from the Okanagan is looking to return to provincial politics.

Ben Stewart has announced he will seek the BC Liberal nomination for Kelowna West, which Christy Clark plans to resign from soon.

Stewart is a former two-term MLA for Westside-Kelowna and is a founder and director with Quails’ Gate Winery.

NDP premier John Horgan will have six months to set a date for a by-election once Clark resigns.

“It was a genuine honour and love to work for the families and constituents of Westside Kelowna, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve again,” says Stewart.

During his tenure in Government, Stewart served in four different Cabinet positions including: Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Citizen Services and Open Government, Minister of Citizen Services, Public Affairs Bureau and Multiculturalism, Minister of Community and Rural Economic Development.

After departing politics, Stewart accepted an appointment as British Columbia’s Special Representative in Asia, and served with the Ministry of International Trade and Investment from October 2013 to December 2016.

“It is critical that we continue to address trade barriers and remain competitive both at home and abroad,” says Stewart.“At a time of instability with softwood lumber, NAFTA, and other trade uncertainties, Kelowna West requires experienced and qualified leadership.”