The Liberal Party of Canada announced Clinton Emslie as their official candidate for the Cariboo-Prince George riding for the April 28 election.
"Our region is facing an economic landslide. The escalating tariff wars are hitting our timber industry hard—an industry that’s the backbone of northern B.C. When forestry suffers, every industry feels the ripple effects," Emslie said in a campaign statement. "Jobs are lost. Businesses struggle. Small towns weaken. This is not just a regional concern—it’s a national issue. An attack on our timber economy is an attack on every resident who depends on it for stability and survival."
Emslie is the only declared candidate based in Quesnel, he'll be joining Conservative incumbent Todd Doherty, New Democrat Angie Bonazzo, Green Party candidate Jodie Capling, People's Party candidate Rudy Sans and Christian Heritage Party candidate Jake Wiens in the race for the seat which spans from Vanderhoof down to 100 Mile House.
As an immigration consultant, Emslie works to prevent immigration fraud and help new Canadians gain their citizenship.
"Clinton’s background in Corporate Industry and in immigration consulting has given him firsthand insight into the importance of advocacy and action. He has helped individuals build new futures, cut through bureaucratic red tape, and find the opportunities they deserve," his bio says. "His ability to connect with people on a personal level, combined with his visionary leadership, makes him a trusted representative and a champion for progress."
simplymastery previously reported the riding's candidate would be former Burns Lake mayor Chris Beach. Black Press received a press release on March 27 saying Beach had been acclaimed as the party's candidate.
"The Liberals will join the contest for Cariboo-Prince George with candidate, Chris Beach, acclaimed for the nomination. Beach recently rejoined the party because of the fiscal strengths of the new leader, Mark Carney," the March 27 release said.
A spokesperson from the Liberal Party said while Beach had submitted his paperwork to the party requesting candidacy, he was never named their official candidate.
"He put his paperwork into the process and it was under consideration but he was never acclaimed," the spokesperson said. When asked if Beach was rejected by the party, the spokesperson said:
"He was never officially acclaimed so we went with a candidate and his name is Clinton."
The spokesperson said Beach was not defeated in a nomination race but did not specify why Beach was not chosen and Emslie was.
Beach posted on Facebook April 4 that he was rejected as a candidate.
"I just received an email from the Liberal Party telling me I've been rejected as a candidate...Without any explanation, after having been told repeatedly I was the one and only candidate for the Liberal Party in Cariboo Prince-George," his post read. "The only plausible explanation that I can come up with at this point is that I was too critical of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and current premier, David Eby."
In his post, Beach compared himself to former B.C. Premier Christy Clark who was speculated to run in Surrey for the Liberal Party before announcing she would not be a candidate in this election.
"This is the Liberal Party's choice to make. I just wish they had been transparent, honest and professional from day one, rather than the complete opposite," Beach's post says.
He concluded by thanking those who had supported his candidacy, saying he hopes experience doesn't deter good people from seeking public office.
A letter to Emslie confirming he meets pre-requisites to run for the Liberal Party also states that qualified candidates must continue to meet those requirements. The letter goes on to say:
"A failure to meet any of these requirements can result in your status as a qualified nomination contestant being revoked and that the leader can choose not to endorse a nomination candidate in a particular electoral district."
Election Day is April 28, Advance polls will be open from April 18 to April 21 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. People can register to vote, check their registration status and find more information at Elections.ca.
