David Eby praises Loyal Wooldridge as Kelowna councillor wins BC NDP nomination

Kelowna councillor Loyal Wooldridge has been officially nominated by the BC NDP ahead of October’s provincial election.

He will be the governing party’s candidate in Kelowna Centre.

In a news release issued by the NDP, Wooldridge was described as a “successful entrepreneur” and “social equity advocate.”

“Housing, healthcare and affordability are big challenges people face in communities across BC, and Kelowna Centre is no different,” Wooldridge said in the release.

“They need a representative who will fight hard for people here — building more housing that’s affordable, improving healthcare services, and strengthening our resilience to climate-fueled [sic] fires and drought. People and families here just can’t afford the cuts conservative politicians want.”

Wooldridge was elected to Kelowna City Council in 2018 and 2022.

The release also included praise for the councillor from BC Premier David Eby.

He said: “As someone who’s called the Central Okanagan home for more than three decades, Loyal has a deep understanding of the things that matter to Kelownans — and how to deliver results.”

Eby added that Wooldridge will “be on your side as a champion for building more housing, improving healthcare and childcare, and supporting local businesses, so everyone can build a good life here.”

The release commended Wooldridge for his “communication efforts” during the 2023 wildfires, explaining that he “kept thousands of evacuees and families informed during a devastating crisis, while helping secure vital disaster relief funding so communities can rebuild.”

The Conservative Party of BC has nominated Kristina Loewen for the Kelowna Centre riding, while BC United has selected surgeon Dr. Michael Humer.

To see Wooldridge’s interview with KelownaNow concerning his move into provincial politics, head here.

The election is set to be held on or before Oct. 19.