Victoria, B.C. – Joe Keithley has been acclaimed as the B.C. Green Party candidate for the upcoming Coquitlam-Burke Mountain by-election.
“I have been standing up for citizen rights all my life and that's what I'll do for the people of Coquitlam-Burke Mountain,” said Joe Keithley. “If elected, I will work tirelessly for the people of Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, it's about time they had a representative that will honestly stand up for them. Green Party MLA's are free to stand up for their constituents, unlike with the other parties where they are forced to follow the party line.”
Keithley is well known throughout the world as an activist for progressive change. He has organized and performed at benefits for women’s rights, environmental issues, union rights, First Nation’s rights, as well as events against war, racism and weapons proliferation.
"Joe has consistently spoken out against injustice, providing a voice to many of the issues that we face," said Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. "Joe will be a powerful advocate for his constituents and will bring a strong and clear voice into the BC Legislature".
“I am incredibly excited about Joe’s nomination as the Green Party candidate for the upcoming by-election in Coquitlam-Burke Mountain,” said Adam Olsen. “As one of Canada’s most prolific musicians Joe has been on the leading edge of activism for more than three decades. He is no stranger to speaking the truth to power and I believe he will be a tremendous MLA. He has a ton of energy and passion and I am confident he will work hard to get elected."
Liberal MLA Douglas Horne was confirmed on August 7th as the Conservative candidate for the upcoming federal election, resigning from the BC Legislature. NDP MLA Jenny Kwan previously stepped down from her position on July 8th to run for the federal NDP. Premier Christy Clark has six months from the date of Kwan’s resignation to call a by-election. The BC Green Party is preparing for a by-election as early as late November.