The Liberal Party of Canada has officially named its candidate for the Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte riding and BarrieToday has also learned the name of the potential candidate ready to wave the red flag in Barrie-Innisfil in this fall's federal election.
Dr. Brian Kalliecharan will represent the Liberal party in the north-end riding after being chosen this past Sunday.
BarrieToday spoke with Kalliecharan earlier today and found out why the dental surgeon has decided to run federally.
“To me, it is always about people: helping, communicating and being there for people,” said Kalliecharan. “It's the reason I wanted to be involved with politics, to be able to assist in any way with giving people a voice.”
Involved in giving to the local community, Kalliecharan started a dental program that would see free dental care given to those less fortunate who were unable to pay. Running for office is just one of several ways the 53-year-old hopes to contribute to his community.
“I’ve lived in Barrie for about 18 years, but before that I was in Muskoka, so I am very familiar with the region,” Kalliecharan said. “We live in a wonderful part of the province and one where I believe people are starting to think with a more Liberal view.”
Kalliecharan says he knows he's in for a battle to win the BSOM riding, which is widely considered a Conservative stronghold, but he told BarrieToday he has spoken to many people and believes the area may not be painted as blue as some people think.
“I am ready for the election; we as a party are ready for the election,” he said. “I have been door to door, I have met with people who want change and who have the same ideas I have.
"The upcoming election will be interesting and I am looking very forward to meeting more people and getting our communities how we want them," Kalliecharan added.
The Liberal Party has yet to publicly name its candidate in Barrie-Innisifl, but BarrieToday has learned they have chosen Simcoe County District School Board trustee Lisa-Marie Wilson to run in the riding.
An official announcement about Wilson’s acclamation is expected to be made official in the coming days.
