Foster will seek a fourth term as MLA

Sep 15, 2020 | 12:22 PM

With speculation of a provincial election being called soon, the long time MLA for Vernon-Monashee has made a decision about his political future.

Eric Foster tells Vernon Matters he will run again for the BC Liberal Party.

“A really big part of it is, I still enjoy it. I still think we’re being effective in this office.”

Foster, 70, said over the spring, he enjoyed being around his home in Lumby, but it also helped him make his decision.

“I realized that I am not ready to retire. Now, the voters in Vernon Monashee might make that decison for me, but at this time I’m looking forward to running again.”

Youth Mental Health Services

Foundry fundraiser opens to public, hits $5M milestone

2h ago

Ready for Wildfires, Other Situations

City of Vernon urging action under Emergency Preparedness Week

18h ago

Evacuation Preparedness

Pet owners urged to be prepared in case of major wildfire events

21h ago

Foster said he has the full support of his wife Janice.

“I don’t do anything without the full support of Janice. I’ve always said in this business, it’s a team game and if you don’t have that family support, it’s very difficult to do the job and it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun.”

The former mayor of Lumby was first elected in 2009, and has won three terms.

Foster believes the chances of NDP Premier John Horgan calling an election is growing.

“If you had asked me that a month ago, I would have said there is a ten per cent chance, but today, I think it’s at least 50-50 or maybe even 60-40. I think if the premier wasn’t still considering calling an election, he would have said something. They’re looking at the the polls and weighing out the backlash to holding an election during a pandemic.”

Foster said calling an election now is “ridiculous.”

“They have control in the house. You can’t justify calling an election now by saying ‘We don’t have the confidence.’ They have control. I think if they were to call it would be primarily because he thinks his numbers are good enough to win.”

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments