BREAKING: Steve Thomson re-elected: Kelowna-Mission stays with B.C. Liberals

KELOWNA – Steve Thomson has once again been re-elected MLA for the Kelowna-Mission riding.

Thomson, who was born and raised in Kelowna, defeated B.C. NDP candidate Harwinder Sandhu, Green candidate Rainer Wilkins and Conservative candidate Chuck Hardy.

Thomson won the riding with 55.35 per cent of the vote, with Harwinder Sandhu coming in second with 21.61 per cent. 

"It's great but it's also very humbling – It's an honour to continue to have the confidence and support of the constituents in the riding," Thomson said. "We didn't take anything for granted, we worked really hard but I think we went with a very positive message and people wanted to see a government that continues to lead the province."  

In line with the Liberal platform, Thomson's main priority going into the next four years is expanding the economy. 

"We've been leading the country in job creation and economic growth so we're wanting to move forward with that in terms of responsible resource development," Thomson said. "That's about creating revenues that can provide support for our citizens in healthcare, education and social services."

When speaking about local issues, Thomson mentioned Kelowna's integrated water plan.

"I want to be able to see the funding we've been able to bring for water and clean water with SEKID (South East Kelowna Irrigation District), we want to make sure that project moves forward," Thomson said. "But I also want to make sure agriculture interests are kept in the forefront as that project moves forward."

Additionally, Thomson touched on the replacement of Rutland Middle School, transportation and continued investments into Okanagan College as well as UBCO. 

A member of the B.C. Liberal Party, Thomson is the former executive director of the B.C. Agriculture Council. He was first elected in the 2009 provincial election and reelected for the first time in 2013, receiving 56 per cent of total votes cast but spending more than the other three candidates combined.

We will update this story as information becomes available.

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