Laurel Collins is officially making the move to federal politics.
The first-term City Councillor won the NDP nomination for Victoria on Wednesday night.
She was chosen over Sabina Singh at a nomination meeting at Alix Golden Hall.
“I am just so honoured,” she said.
“Its an incredible feeling to have people put their trust in me.”
Collins was first elected to Victoria council last October, but decided to seek the NDP nomination in early March.
She said her decision was prompted by same reasons she ran for council, to tackle the housing crisis and the urgent climate crisis.
“I am going to continue to stand up for climate leadership, for affordable housing” she said.
“To take the next big step for our country with universal childcare and universal pharmacare.”
Collins will look to succeed longtime MP Murray Rankin.
He announced in February that he would not be running again.
Rankin was on hand for the meeting, as was NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.
Collins continues to teach courses on social inequality and social justice at UVic.
She will stay on Council before taking leave when the campaign begins
The 2019 federal election is scheduled to be held on Monday, October 21st.
Community Engagement Specialist and Green Party nominee Racelle Kooy is the only other confirmed candidate.
The NDP have held Victoria since Denise Savoie won the seat in 2006.
Ben O'Hara
