Area Conservative MLA calls snap provincial election “unnecessary”

Williams added he would not be putting out re-election signs immediately as it could cause some issues with the municipal elections, which will see voters cast ballots for their mayor, councillors and school trustees just one week before the provincial election.

He said having the two elections so close together could cause issues.

“Local government affects the average person more than any other government, and there’s individuals who really care about their communities running in the civic elections, whether it be a trustee, councillor, regional director or mayor, ” he said. “Those people want to get their message out, they stand for something in their community, and we as voting people and residents should be given the opportunity to listen to those people and see what they have to offer.”

“By turning around and having a provincial election it’s drowning those people out and not giving them their time. I absolutely think it’s outrageous.

“Actually, I think it gives an advantage to the incumbents running in their election as well because right now, if I were to put a sign out, which I’m not, but if any of my competitors puts a sign out it’s drowned out by a million other signs. How’s that fair?”

Regarding the state of the Conservatives, Williams said the party would be united when running in the election.

“We have 100 per cent agreement on one thing: we need to get the NDP out,” the incumbent said.

“I will put any kind of differences aside, any opinion aside, any viewpoint aside, for the simple sake that absolutely everybody I know, whether it be family, friends, neighbours, whoever, the main thing they tell me all the time ‘Dave, we have to get the NDP out,’ and I think no different. People get into politics because they want to make a difference, and the biggest difference you can make right now is changing the government.”

The party will also be led by Lorne Doerkson heading to the polls, who the area Conservative representative supports.

“I know Lorne personally, I know him as working with his as a caucus member, and Lorne is a very measured, well-spoken person who comes from the Interior. He has everyday life experiences, he understands the average person, and people will be pleasantly surprised when people get to know him,” Williams told Vernon Matters.

“I was actually one of the people that recommended Lorne to be interim-leader, so I know for a fact he would make an awesome Premier, and he’s the one person that can keep our caucus together.”

Williams stated he would be running to retain his seat, noting the party platform has not changed since the last provincial election in 2024, but with one key priority at the forefront.

“Of course land rights is top of mind for everybody, and we’re going to repeal DRIPA (Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act), there’s absolutely no doubt about that,” Williams explained.

“Rest assured, we’re going to repeal DRIPA. The business community, the resource community, our economy, depends on having certainty when it comes to having land rights.”

Other key components of the Conservative platform include addressing affordability issues, building houses, and hiring and training more doctors to bolster the health care system.

by Liam Verster

Area Conservative MLA calls snap provincial election “unnecessary”

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