From the horse's mouth

Paul Forseth is the Tory candidate against Peter Julian.

According to Forseth's own Facebook post, "I have been nominated as the Conservative Party candidate inthe district of Burnaby-New Westminster. I am offering myself for service,as our community needs a Conservative voice at the national level. I trust that voters will see the wisdom of choosing a Conservative government,and that there will be a local determination to become a significant partof the answer for a hope-filled future." A more lengthy case for Forseth can be found on his blog.

It appears Andy Radia, the other expected Conservative nomination contestant, failed to complete the application process.

Goodbye Peter, hello Paul

Former four-term Reform/Alliance/Conservative MP Paul Forseth is seeking the Conservative nomination in Burnaby-New Westminster in the pending election.

He wishes to take on NDP incumbent Peter Julian. Forseth and Julian sat in Parliament together representing both sides of New Westminster between 2004 and 2006 when Forseth was one of only three Conservative incumbents defeated in the election of the first government of Stephen Harper.

Forseth's nomination opponent is expected to be Andy Radia, a young businessman and columnist. Radia, a first generation Canadian, ran with Coquitlam First in the 2005 municipal election, finishing in 19th place.

Billy Cunningham, take four

The Burnaby-Douglas Liberals are picking their candidate on Saturday.

Bill Cunningham, who stood for the Liberals in 2004, 2006 and 2008, is not expected to be in the running.

Forseth VI

Paul Forseth appears to be gearing up for a bid for the Conservative nomination in Burnaby-New Westminster. The Conservative nomination opened late last week and the filing deadline is on September 25.


Forseth could be acclaimed, which would put him up against three-term NDP MP Peter Julian. Forseth was elected to four terms between 1993 and 2006 when he lost to Dawn Black of the NDP. Forseth was one of only three Conservatives to lose their seat in the election that brought Stephen Harper to power.


Forseth considered running for the by-election nomination in neighbouring New Westminster-Coquitlam but due to his personal travel did not seek the nomination there earlier this summer. (Black's resignation to become an MLA vacated the seat.) This will be Forseth's sixth election.


Forseth was a probation officer and family court councillor before entering politics.


Sam Rakhra, the 2008 Conservative candidate, is not expected to run. There are no declared Green or Liberal candidates yet.