Ernie Klassen has been acclaimed as Liberal candidate in South Surrey-White Rock — after reports surfaced that former B.C. premier Christy Clark was being considered as a parachute candidate in the riding.
The official announcement Tuesday morning came from Liberal Party national campaign co-chair Terry Duguid, who said Klassen "will continue building on our hard work to keep Canada moving forward."
"I am beyond humbled, grateful, and excited to announce that I will be campaigning to be the next member of Parliament for South Surrey/White Rock," Klassen posted on Facebook.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Sunday that a snap election would be held April 28.
So far the only other confirmed candidate in South Surrey-White Rock is Conservative incumbent Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
Klassen, the owner and operator of a Johnston Road floral business, is also a White Rock council member, is a founding member of the White Rock Pride Society and former treasurer and president of the White Rock Business Improvement Association.
A groundswell of support from local Liberals for Klassen's candidacy encountered a brief setback on Monday, when reports of Clark's possible candidacy surfaced.
However, by mid-afternoon, Clark herself posted on X that she would not be running for the Liberals in any riding.
Michael Grunewaldt, a member of the executive of the South Surrey-White Rock Federal Liberal Association said Klassen's confirmation as candidate means the campaign process can move forward positively.
"I think Ernie is a good man, and I think he'll be a good candidate," he commented.
