WITH John Yap choosing not to seek re-election in Richmond-Steveston, the BC Liberals will nominate community leader and small business advocate Matt Pitcairn as their candidate.

“John Yap has been a diligent, compassionate champion for the people of Richmond-Steveston. He is impossible to replace, but I will work hard every day to build on his track record of service to our community and the people of BC,” said Pitcairn. “Now more than ever, the people of Richmond-Steveston and our province need strong, capable leadership from the BC Liberals to rebuild our economy and keep our communities safe – and I’m excited to join Andrew Wilkinson’s team.”

“Serving the people of Richmond-Steveston and the province of British Columbia has been the honour of my lifetime. I am profoundly grateful to my constituents for their trust and support through 15 years and four elections,” said Yap, who was first elected in 2005. “I’m proud that a dynamic young leader of Matt Pitcairn’s calibre has come forward to be a strong voice for young families, small businesses, and the whole diverse constituency of Richmond-Steveston. I endorse him wholeheartedly.”

Raised in Steveston and a longtime Richmond resident, Pitcairn most recently served as president of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. He is past president of the Richmond City Centre Community Association, treasurer of the Steveston Historic Society, and director at the Richmond Caring Place Society. He and his wife Vanessa have two sons and a daughter.

“John Yap has been an exemplary public servant, a pillar of the BC Liberal Party, and a universally trusted member of our team,” said Andrew Wilkinson, BC Liberal Leader. “We will miss him greatly in our caucus, but we couldn’t be more pleased and proud to welcome Matt Pitcairn to our team of candidates in this critical election.”