After a pair of membership meetings last Friday in Langford and Duncan, Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi has emerged as the federal Green Party candidate for the newly-formed riding of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford.
Jinnouchi, a Langford business owner, was up against Cowichan farmer Dan Ferguson, and members voted to run Jinnouchi in the upcoming federal election.
“We are so thankful for Dan Ferguson’s excellent work in contesting the nomination,” said Cynthia Montgomery, chair of the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford federal riding in a congratulatory email to members. “The Green Party has certainly come a long way, that we are able to attract two such highly accomplished and impressive co-contestants.”
Hunt-Jinnouchi will run against NDP candidate Alistair McGregor, who was elected last week by his party, and candidates from the Liberal and Conservative parties, who have not yet announced candidates.
“Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi is not just a great candidate,” said Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May, “she’s an extraordinary candidate. Her own life story weaves through major issues facing Canada – the imperative for education, the tragedy of missing and murdered aboriginal women, the importance of community resilience, and reconciliation with First Nations.”
Hunt-Jinnouchi is a former elected Chief of the Quatsino First Nation, former director of Indigenous Affairs at the University of Victoria, and is the owner-operator of Evedar’s Bistro in downtown Langford.
“I’m so grateful for the chance to ask the voters of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford to support our vision for good, sustainable jobs, a healthy environment, respect for First Nations, and a diversified economy,” Hunt-Jinnouchi said following her victory Friday night. “I’m optimistic that this riding is ready to help lead Canada into a new, Green era.”
mdavies@goldstreamgazette.com