SURREY, B.C. (Richa Walia): Former federal cabinet minister and longtime British Columbia politician Herb Dhaliwal has announced his support for CentreBC and its leader, Elenore Sturko.
Dhaliwal said his decision is based on the values he believes are reflected in CentreBC and the direction Sturko is taking the emerging political organization.
The endorsement gives CentreBC the backing of a former federal cabinet minister with a long record in British Columbia public life. Dhaliwal served as the Liberal MP for Vancouver South and later Vancouver South—Burnaby before leaving the House of Commons in 2004.
During his time in Ottawa, Dhaliwal held several senior cabinet portfolios. He served as minister of National Revenue from 1997 to 1999, minister of Fisheries and Oceans from 1999 to 2002 and minister of Natural Resources from 2002 to 2003.
In announcing his support, Dhaliwal pointed to what he described as a connection between the liberal principles that shaped his political career and the values he now sees in CentreBC.
His endorsement comes as CentreBC works to establish its presence in British Columbia and build support among voters across the province. The party has positioned Sturko at the centre of those efforts as it develops its organization and outlines its political direction.
For CentreBC, Dhaliwal’s backing adds a former cabinet minister’s perspective to its efforts to introduce the party to British Columbians.
Sturko’s leadership will now be part of the party’s broader effort to attract supporters and define its role in the province’s changing political landscape.
Dhaliwal’s political career dates back to his first election to the House of Commons in 1993. Parliamentary records show that he represented Vancouver South before later serving Vancouver South—Burnaby.
The endorsement marks another step in CentreBC’s ongoing efforts to expand its profile in British Columbia as the party continues organizing and presenting its platform to the public.
