Ellis Ross making quest for House of Commons seat official, sets stage for a Skeena-Bulkley Valley showdown in the next election

The Conservatives have secured the candidacy of 
Ellis Ross for the next federal election, with the 
Skeena MLA making his shift to the Federal scene official on Monday
(image from Conservative leader Poilievre's FB page)

The rumour got ahead of the candidate for a bit on Monday, with Skeena MLA Ellis Ross playing catch-up to news out of Ontario that he was about to take his leave from the BC United Party and seek the Federal Skeena-Bulkley Valley seat in the House of Commons.

As we outlined on Monday, the first word of the significant shift on the Northwest political scene came from the publication True North which outlined how the Conservatives had snared the popular Northwest politician for the upcoming Federal campaign.

What seems like a rather  hastily arranged video with BC United leader Kevin Falcon quickly followed, with Falcon wishing Ross all the best as he prepares to take on the latest step in the former Haisla Chief Councillors career arc.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also hailed the shift to the federal scene for the Skeena MLA.

Later in the day, Mr. Ross, who was on his way back to Terrace spoke from the Vancouver Airport towards his new focus sharing some of his thoughts on path forward through his social media stream. 

In his presentation he explores some of the process that took place towards his decision and how he had previously considered the move and how the Conservatives policies in many areas fit in with his own values that go back to his time as Chief Councillor of Haida Nation.

He notes he will continue to hold his seat in the Legislature until the writ drops for the Federal election something not expected until next year; as well he notes should the writ drop for a provincial election, expected later this year he would then step aside.

In his update, he notes that the official announcement was to take place at tonight's Axe the Tax Rally in Prince Rupert, observing as to how the news flow got ahead of that plan.

The Skeena-Bulkley Valley Conservative Riding Association has confirmed for the North Coast Review, that Doug Dobrenski, who had entered the race for the nomination, had stepped aside to make room for Mr. Ross.

With that the Conservative nomination process has been closed and Ross will take up the challenge to unseat incumbent NDP MP Taylor Bachrach.

Prince Rupert residents will have the first opportunity to hear from the Conservative candidate tonight.

Mr. Ross will be joining Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre at the Lester Centre for the Conservatives Axe the Tax Rally. 

More on that event which gets underway at 6PM  can be reviewed here.

A look at the Federal political scene in the Northwest can be reviewed from our archive page.