BC United has named Michael Grenier as their MLA candidate for Cariboo-Chilcotin for the 2024 provincial election.
Grenier is currently the director of Electoral Area J for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), which covers Copper Desert Country - including the communities of Savona, Red Lake and Cherry Creek, which he has lived in since 1996. He is also a member of the Thompson Regional Health District (TRHD) - holding both positions since 2022.
In this year's provincial election, the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding is expanding to include the communities of Ashcroft, Cache Creek as well as Tobiano. The election is scheduled to take place on October 19, 2024.
In a press release issued by BC United announcing the decision, Grenier says he is "honoured" to have the opportunity to represent the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding.
"I am committed to enhancing the rural, urban and recreational lifestyle experiences for all residents and visitors. My vision includes fostering economic growth, improving local amenities, and ensuring a high quality of life for everyone in our community," Grenier said.
Kevin Falcon, the leader of BC United, stated that Grenier is "exactly the kind, dedicated, entrepreneurial leader we need in Cariboo-Chilcotin."
"His dedication to the region is clear, and with his background in business and giving back to the area, I know that he will be the strong common sense voice that the residents of Cariboo-Chilcotin expect," Falcon said in the press release.
Grenier is a founder of the resort community of Tobiano, as well as the Tobiano Golf Course and the Kamloops Lake Marina. He has previously served on the TNRD Film Commission, as well as the Kamloops Golf Marketing Association, and the Kamloops Airport Advisory Board - and was the former co-chair of the Friends of the Secwepemc Cultural and Educational Society. Grenier is married and is a father of five.
Grenier stated that the people of 100 Mile House should vote for him due to his extensive background in economic development.
"I've had business background and business success in this part of the Cariboo-Chilcotin - Tobiano is one of the fastest growing communities in the TNRD."
Grenier also noted that there are a lot of overlapping issues and similarities that unite people across the new Cariboo-Chilcotin-Kamloops riding. This includes a lack of trained healthcare workers, the housing affordability crisis and access to fibre optic internet.
"Lots of similarities - when you look at the lower part whether it's Ashcroft, or Cherry Creek for that matter, you look at 100 Mile House, Williams Lake - we have spectacular scenic vistas, a lovely environment for people to live," Grenier noted.
He believes B.C. United is best positioned to address the issues currently facing B.C. Grenier said he is in favour of bringing back healthcare workers fired for refusing to get the COVID-19 shot during the pandemic and of the ongoing work of reconciliation with First Nation communities.
Lastly, Grenier stated that he decided to run due to MLA Lorne Doerkson's recent defection to the Conservative Party of BC - stating that several people approached him and asked him to run. Grenier has supported BC United for "many, many years" and describes himself as a strong fiscal conservative.
"The more I looked at it, the more I thought I could do something for my constituents," Grenier remarked.
He will face off against Conservative Party of BC MLA Lorne Doerkson, who defected last month over failed coalition talks, and BC NDP candidate Michael Moses, a housing advocate and Williams Lake city councillor. The BC Greens are now the only major party with no candidate named for the Cariboo-Chilcotin-Kamloops riding.
