Conservatives nominate Diane Black in Nechako Lakes

Oct 2, 2026 | 10:51 AM

VANDERHOOF — The Conservative Party of British Columbia has officially nominated Diane Black as its candidate for the Nechako Lakes riding in the upcoming provincial election.

The riding is currently represented by Conservative leader John Rustad, who is not seeking re-election. Rustad has held the vast rural northern riding since 2009 and shifted to the Conservative Party after serving for years as a BC Liberal and BC United MLA.

Black, a third-generation rancher, said she wants to build on the region’s strong resource and agricultural roots while addressing local concerns such as housing, health care and economic stability.

“Our communities need opportunities that allow families to stay and build their futures here,” Black said in announcing her candidacy. She said her vision includes safe and affordable housing, reliable employment, and maintaining clean air and water throughout the region.

A Chartered Professional Accountant with an MBA, Black brings experience in agriculture, energy, forestry, transportation and post-secondary education. She currently serves as Associate Vice President of Finance at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, where she helped secure funding and oversee several major capital projects, including trades training facilities and mobile training programs.

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Health care is also a central focus of her campaign. As the great-granddaughter of Vanderhoof’s first doctor, Black says she believes health services should be delivered “in the north, for the north and by the north.”

The election contest in Nechako Lakes is beginning to take shape. The BC NDP has nominated Jessie Gervais as its candidate, while Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Area E director Clint Lambert is running as an independent.

With three candidates already declared, voters in the sprawling northern riding will have several choices when they head to the polls.

by Greg Fry

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Conservatives nominate Diane Black in Nechako Lakes

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