Abbotsford residents have put their names forward for the Conservative nomination in the new riding of Mission-Matsqui -Fraser Canyon, which includes the northernmost portion of Abbotsford, all of Mission and reaches up through the Interior, north of Lillooet and Ashcroft.
The next federal election is in 2015.
Brad Vis
Vis, a former adviser to MP Ed Fast, said after speaking with community members, he has heard that Fraser River management and flood protection are key priorities. He said he would also like to see greater focus on financial literacy for youth.
Vis is currently working to develop a new agri-centre in the riding to support local farmers and works with the Abilitas Foundation.
Vis holds a master’s degree in Canadian politics and speaks fluent French.
Doris Woodman-McMillan
Woodman-McMillian, an active member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, started an accounting practice in Abbotsford in 1999 and won a Business Excellence Award in 2010.
She is a member of the Abbotsford Rotary Club, has served as the business chair for the United Way of the Fraser Valley and serves on the Conservative Board in Abbotsford as the financial agent.
She works to provide free income tax services through an outreach program for marginalized people in the community.
She said she believes all members in the riding deserve a voice and to be represented by someone who will listen to their concerns and help them work through the system.
Korky Neufeld
Neufeld has served as a trustee on the board of education for nine years and will not seek re-election as a trustee and instead seek the Conservative nomination.
He said the broad geographical area of the new riding has its challenges, but he is ready to meet them.
Neufeld has served on the finance and facilities committee, policy committee, apprenticeship committee, BCSTA provincial council, Abbotsford parks, recreation and culture commission, and more.
Neufeld is project manager for an Abbotsford construction firm.
In the community, he was a pastor at The Meeting Place church and leader of the Abbotsford Christian Leaders Network. He has worked with the city council’s bridge house task force, and as an executive with Love Abbotsford, and a member of the BC School Trustees Association council.