Student Cameron Mercer-Maillet to represent NDP in C.B.S. byelection

The New Democratic Party has named Cameron Mercer-Maillet as its candidate for the upcoming byelection in Conception Bay South.

In a statement, provincial NDP president Kathleen Connors said Mercer-Maillet "is running for the NDP because it is the only party that puts forward solutions to key issues such as the minimum wage and mental health issues."

Voters in Conception Bay South will elect a new MHA on Nov. 5. The seat was made vacant when former cabinet minister Terry French left politics in September. 

Mercer-Maillet, who is running for elected office for the first time, is currently a student at Memorial University.

He has been involved with the party through his role as co-chair of MUN NDP, has been active with the NDP youth caucus, and has served as youth representative on the party's riding association of St. John's South-Mount Pearl.

“I believe that Lorraine Michael and the New Democratic Party are the only ones speaking up for everyday people,” Mercer-Maillet said in a statement. 

 “I want to be a part of that NDP team and be a strong voice for the people in the district of Conception Bay South.”

Mercer-Maillet says this is an exciting and critical time to be involved in politics in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

"There are too many have-nots in this province," he said. “Despite the unprecedented wealth from our non-renewable oil resources, people are not seeing their fair share."

Barry Petten, French's former executive assistant, is representing the Tories. Rex Hillier, a town councillor in C.B.S., won a nomination race for the Liberals.