Things could be changing in Sooke after it was confirmed Mayor Maya Tait has been acclaimed as the NDP candidate for the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke federal riding.
The decision comes after NDP Member of Parliament Randall Garrison’s announced his retirement back in April where he said he would not seek re-election.
Tait’s potential election as a Member of Parliament would prompt her resignation from her current mayoral position, resulting in a by-election for the mayor’s seat.
While the next federal election is initially scheduled for October 20th, 2025, speculation abounds that an earlier election may be called.
Tait’s political journey began in 2008 when she was first elected to Sooke’s municipal council.
After two terms as a councillor, she emerged victorious in the mayoral election of 2014 and subsequently won re-election in 2018 and 2022.
The incumbent Member of Parliament for the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke riding, Randall Garrison, announced his retirement in April of this year.
Garrison, who has held his position since his first election in 2011, leaves behind a legacy of parliamentary work. His retirement paves the way for a new representative to serve the riding’s constituents.
The official acclamation event is set to take place on Thursday, August 31st, at 6:30 p.m. at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre in Esquimalt.
Both Randall Garrison and federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh are expected to attend the event, along with various regional politicians.
