Former B.C. minister Mike de Jong seeks federal Tory nomination
De Jong has sat as an MLA for the B.C. United party — formerly the B.C. Liberals — for more than 30 years
One of British Columbia's longest-serving MLAs has launched a campaign to run for the Conservative Party of Canada in the next federal election.
Mike de Jong is seeking the federal Conservative nomination in Abbotsford-South Langley, a new riding which encompasses much of the provincial constituency he has represented for the B.C. United Party — formerly known as the B.C. Liberal Party — since 1994.
"I am joining [Conservative Leader] Pierre Poilievre's common-sense movement, in support of the only leader who has the courage to discuss Canada's need for fiscal responsibility," said de Jong in a Wednesday news release.
"I want to represent the people of Abbotsford-South Langley and bring responsible leadership to Ottawa."
The veteran MLA and cabinet minister announced he would not seek re-election in February, putting a cap on a 30-year career in provincial politics that saw him lead numerous ministries — including finance, health and justice — under several B.C. Liberal governments.
In an an interview with CBC's On The Coast at the time, de Jong said he was proud of his work as the Aboriginal affairs minister who negotiated and signed modern treaties with six First Nations, and of several balanced budgets that helped reduce the province's debt.
"I used to get chastised when I was finance minister for being stingy or careful with the public's money, [and] maybe I was," he said. "But when COVID-19 hit, this province was in the best position of any province in Canada to deal with the challenges."
However, the former finance minister was also among several elected officials who faced criticism for rampant money laundering that a former B.C. Supreme Court justice found was allowed to proliferate under previous B.C. Liberal governments.
In February, de Jong said he was undecided but "seriously" considering running for the Conservatives after members of the party approached him.
"I want to continue to contribute somehow," he said.
Abbotsford MP Ed Fast's March announcement that he would not seek re-election has left an opening in the Conservative stronghold. Steve Schafer, vice-president of the local Conservative constituency association, and Fast's current assistant Mike Murray are also vying for the nomination.
There are currently no candidates declared for the Liberals, NDP or Greens in the new riding.
De Jong's campaign announcement echoes attacks by Poilievre on the budget tabled by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government on Tuesday, which increased taxes on some businesses and wealthy Canadians to cover record spending.
"It's about time that Mr. Trudeau stop using Canadian taxpayers as an ATM without any regard for the burden his constant tax increases and out of control spending are placing upon Canadian families," said de Jong on Wednesday.
De Jong said his vision is for the Fraser Valley riding to be a place "where economic strength and social well-being go hand in hand, guided by conservative principles that foster opportunity, security, and prosperity for all."
The next federal election is currently slated for October 2025.
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With files from On The Coast