Sooke Mayor Maja Tait officially became the federal NDP candidate for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke on Thursday after a majority of party members voted in favor of the lone candidate.
The party confirmed Tait’s candidacy at an event in Esquimalt attended by NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.
“Serving local government has been the privilege of my life,” said Tait at a news conference earlier in the day in Sooke attended by Singh and retiring MP Randall Garrison. “I also believe leadership is one that should be shared, and it’s timely for me to think about what life looks like after this term.
“I want to pass the torch on so I can join Jagmeet and others to fight for Canadians, work for the West Coast, and ensure our environment is protected because I believe the environment that we have is not what our ancestors left to us, but what we borrow from our children.”
Tait, who has been a New Democrat supporter for more than a decade, was the only person to run for the nomination. She was elected to Sooke council in 2008 and served two terms before becoming mayor in 2014. She was re-elected in 2018 and 2022.
VIDEO: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh speaks with reporters in Sooke
Tait was surprised when Garrison first approached her about becoming the New Democrat candidate, and when he mentioned he might retire after his term, she began to take it seriously.
She filled out nomination papers in May and was acclaimed as the candidate earlier this month.
Singh said Tait’s experience in local government has already demonstrated a commitment to the community, and now she’ll take that to the next level as a Member of Parliament.
The Sooke press conference, which was nationally televised, primarily focused on affordability issues – issues Tait expects to address in the next federal election.
“We heard from families and young people today, but we didn’t hear from those who don’t have family support and are struggling, falling through the cracks,” Tait said.
The NDP has advocated for affordability measures through its confidence-and-supply agreement with the Liberals, including dental care, a one-time rental supplement, and doubling the GST rebate.
The next federal election must be called on or before October 20, 2025.
Upon the federal election call, Tait will take an unpaid leave of absence from Sooke council. Regardless of the election outcome, Tait has stated that this will be her final term as the mayor of Sooke.
“There are many capable individuals in Sooke who can fulfill the role. I believe our community would benefit from fresh ideas and new faces in leadership,” she said.
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