Ronna-Rae Leonard, a three term Courtenay councillor, is seeking the NDP nomination in the new federal riding of Courtenay-Alberni, she announced Friday in a news release.
"Representing this riding is a natural fit," she said in the release. "My husband and I have lived here since 1990 and raised our two children here."
Courtenay, along with Cumberland and the southern Comox Valley, will be a part of the new riding for the 2015 federal election, which also includes Parksville Qualicum Beach. Leonard ran in the 2011 federal election as the NDP candidate in Vancouver Island North but lost to Conservative incumbent John Duncan, who is the Conservative candidate for this new riding.
Following the 2011 federal election, Leonard was elected as a Courtenay councillor for a third term.
"I am grateful for the support I have received," she said about her time as a councillor. "It's been a great privilege to serve the citizens of Courtenay at city hall for the last nine years. It tells me that the progressive voice here is strong."
Leonard said she plans to complete her term as Councillor.
The release states Leonard's background is diverse and she has experience working as an environmental researcher, educator and project manager.
— NEWS Staff