Penticton resident Richard (Dick) Cannings has been chose as the NDP candidate in the 2015 federal election. Members of the NDP Riding Association for South Okanagan – West Kootenay (SO-WK) met in Grand Forks Saturday for the vote.

SO-WK is a new riding, the bulk of which falls within the riding currently represented NDP MP Alex Atamanenko. Known for his hard work, honesty, and integrity, Atamanenko—who chose to not run for a fourth term—offered his congratulations to Cannings and committed to working with him in the lead up to the election.

Margaret Maximenko, who was also seeking the nomination, moved to make the vote unanimous and joined Cannings in praising the way both campaigns were run throughout the nomination.

“I’m humbled to be nominated and excited to be part of the Tom Mulcair’s team, offering Canadians a real alternative to the Harper Conservatives in the 2015 election,” Cannings said. “I look forward to taking the campaign throughout the riding over the months to come.”