FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - The BC Conservatives have formally confirmed candidates in both of the province’s Northeast B.C. ridings, with Curtis Whitford running in Peace River North and incumbent MLA Larry Neufeld seeking re-election in Peace River South.
A longtime Northeast B.C. resident, Whitford brings 36 years of experience in the oil and gas sector. His career has included work in oilfield construction, maintenance, power engineering, gas plant operations, oilfield waste management, engineering services, transportation, safety and community engagement.
Whitford has also been active in the community, serving as a volunteer hockey coach, board member and transportation director for the Regional Trackers hockey program. He recently joined the board of a local co-operative serving the Fort St. John area.
The riding of Peace River North is drawing particular attention following the departure of former Conservative MLA Jordan Kealy from the party.
Whitford has been nominated as the party’s candidate after Kealy left the caucus and is now running as an independent candidate. Kealy is currently facing a sexual assault charge.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Peace River South, incumbent MLA Larry Neufeld is seeking another term under the BC Conservative banner.
The professional engineer and business owner has represented the riding as a Conservative MLA and says his priorities include fiscal responsibility, economic development and public safety.
Both candidate have extensive experience in the oil and gas sector. The BC Conservatives are placing energy development at the centre of their campaign.
The party say it is promote a plan to significantly expand B.C.’s LNG industry, with goals of doubling provincial LNG production by 2032 and tripling it by 2035 through faster project approvals, infrastructure development and expanded First Nations partnerships.
The Peace River North and Peace River South ridings are expected to be closely watched during the campaign, with resource development, energy policy and economic growth remaining key issues across Northeast B.C.