The transparency and political reform she craves and stands behind is why Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee federal Conservative Party of Canada riding candidate Min Randhawa is throwing her support behind another candidate.
Randhawa, former executive assistant to three provincial MLAs in Vernon, had hoped to win the riding nomination for the Conservatives in the 2025 federal election. But Randhawa has dropped out of the now four-person contest, and is endorsing former Vernon councillor Scott Anderson.
"Scott has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our community through his extensive public service and dedication to addressing local issues," said Randhawa. "Scott has integrity and a strong sense of fairness. He has agreed to continue the fight for transparency and accountability within the party, ensuring that the values we all stand for are upheld."
Anderson, sitting Vernon councillor Teresa Durning, Vernon businesswoman Rachel Enns, and 麻豆精选 radio morning show co-host Toby Tannas are on the ballot for the vote which will be conducted by party members Sunday, March 16.
Randhawa has expressed serious concerns about current nomination practices that allow individuals as young as 14 and non-citizens to influence candidate selection, potentially determining the next Member of Parliament in secure ridings.
She also points to issues such as the misuse of membership lists and the lack of impartiality.
"Recent events, such as Mark Carney, a non-elected official, securing 85.9 per cent of the leadership vote to become Prime Minister, highlight systemic flaws that undermine our democratic values," said Randhawa.
"Allowing minors and non-citizens to have a decisive say in our leadership, coupled with potential conflicts of interest within nomination committees, calls for immediate and comprehensive reform."
Randhawa advocates for a thorough overhaul of nomination rules across all political parties to ensure clarity, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles. She emphasizes that while party constitutions may not be explicitly violated, existing loopholes are being exploited, compromising the integrity of the nomination process.
"It's imperative that we address these issues to restore public trust in our political system. This isn't about any single party; it's about safeguarding the foundation of our democracy," she said.
Randhawa extends heartfelt thanks to her supporters following the recent nomination process in the Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee riding.
"I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey," she said. "Your dedication and belief in fair representation have been truly inspiring. While I am no longer in the race, our collective commitment to democratic principles remains steadfast."
Randhawa encourages all eligible voters to participate in the upcoming nomination vote on Sunday, March 16, at Coldstream Community Hall, with speeches at 1:45 p.m. Voting begins at 2:30 p.m. and closes at 6:30 p.m.
