The B.C. NDP have acclaimed their candidate for the 91大黄鸭-West riding.

Shelley Cook, former executive director of the John Howard Society in 91大黄鸭 was nominated during an NDP nomination meeting on March 18.

Cook is competing in the riding against Premier Christy Clark.

鈥淧eople who know me know that anything I do, I come into it with my eyes wide open and so I think, it鈥檚 an interesting time to be involved. There鈥檚 a changing demographic in 91大黄鸭鈥� for me, I鈥檓 excited to get out there,鈥� said Cook.

Cook, who is originally from 91大黄鸭 and is a PhD student in community, culture and global studies (urban geography) at UBC Okanagan, is also currently leading two research studies on homelessness in the city.

鈥淚 have very deep roots in this community. I have a very strong connection. My grandparents are buried on Glenmore. Everywhere I look, I see my childhood. There鈥檚 no community I鈥檓 more connected to,鈥� she said.

Coming from the social services perspective, Cook said she has a unique perspective on the way policies are implemented at the ground level.

鈥淚鈥檓 here in the community and that鈥檚 what sets me apart (from Clark),鈥� she said.

Cook will be having conversations that go beyond the NDP push for a province-wide $15 minimum wage initiative.

鈥淚f employers don鈥檛 have staff because they can鈥檛 afford to live here, they鈥檙e going to have bigger problems than a $15 minimum wage.鈥�

NDP MLA for Vancouver-Hastings Shane Simpson was also in attendance during the acclamation at the BCGEU office on Borden Road in 91大黄鸭.

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