By Cheryl Jahn

Audrey McKinnon seeks NDP nod

Apr 9, 2021 | 3:51 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A familiar name is stepping into the world of politics, federally. Audrey McKinnon has lived in Prince George for about seven years.

“I was in media as a reporter and host at CBC Radio for six years and now I work in communications for Carrier Sekani Tribal Council,” says McKinnon after announcing her intentions to seek the nomination for the NDP in the Cariboo-Prince George riding.

“There’s definitely going to be a lot of people in Northern BC and around Prince George that know her,” says Political Scientist Chris Beach, who says name recognition helps. He says her life experience will also help. And what a life experience it has been, living in poverty as a single mom. And the help she got to pull her out of poverty is the reason she decided to enter politics.

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“When I was struggling and living in poverty and just barely scraping by, a lot of people came to help me in different ways. Whether it was emotional support, sometimes it was financial. Just helping me in whatever way they could.”

According to Elections Canada, since the ridings of Cariboo-Chilcotin and Prince George-Bulkley Valley were amalgamated in 2004, the riding of Cariboo-Prince George has been consistently Conservative.

“When this seat has not been Conservative in the past, the only other party that’s had a chance has been the NDP.”

McKinnon is the first to put her name out there, even though a federal election has yet to be called. But Beach says that may be a reaction to some parties being caught unaware, with no candidates in place, when John Horgan called a snap election.