Tom Shypitka has announced an independent bid for reelection in Kootenay-Rockies after the provincial suspension of BC United's campaign.
Shypitka made the announcement over social media, following a weekend of speculation about his political future amid the fallout from the B.C. United collapse and a potential move to the Conservative Party of B.C.
Shypitka said he had many conversations and feedback from a wide spectrum of interests in the region over the last few days, all encouraging him to run as an independent candidate.
"There's going to be some hesitation out there, but I'm encouraged by the people who are actually championing me on this," said Shypitka, during his announcement. "In 124 years, there's only been nine people who have ever run as an independent and won. We can make some history here, folks. And we can tell Victoria that we are sticking together and I know that this campaign will galvanize the people of Kootenay East.
"This isn't about party, this is about people and I want to bring everybody in on this. This is historical, this will be be groundbreaking news, and we're going to be viewed as champions of politics in B.C. if we get this done and I think we will get this done."
Shypitka said running as an independent comes with increased accountability and freedom to work with different parties for the best interests of the riding.
"There's never been a time in B.C. history when an opposition government has ever collapsed like it has here, so of course there's going to be a lot of independents that will be running and the story right now, is that in this election, it will be so close that the independents will have the balance of power," Shypitka said.
During his announcement, Shypitka highlighted his advocacy for the region on issues ranging from access to health care, support for the mining industry, pressing for wildlife management funding, and rural capital school projects, particularly with the expansion of Isabella Dicken Elementary School in Fernie and the need for a Mount Baker Secondary School replacement in Cranbrook.
Shypitka was first elected as the region's provincial representative in 2017, succeeding former long-time BC Liberal Party MLA Bill Bennett. Shypitka was mostly recently the BC United caucus chair, and held shadow critic roles relating to mining and energy.
Prior to running for provincial office, Shypitka successfully ran for Cranbrook city council in 2014, and was appointed to represent Cranbrook on the board of the Regional District of East Kootenay and the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District. He was also a small business owner in the food and beverage sector and worked in financial management.
In addition to Shypitka, three other candidates have declared for Kootenay - Rockies. Pete Davis is running for the Conservative Party of B.C. Sam Atwal is running for the BC NDP and Kerri Wall is running for the BC Green Party.
B.C. heads to the polls on Oct. 19.
