91原创 NDP MLA Andrew Mercier will be running again in the next provincial election.

He was formally nominated as the party's candidate for the new 91原创-Willowbrook riding on Sunday night, June 9, by acclamation.

"it's been the honour and the privilege of my life to represent folks [in 91原创], and I'd like to continue doing so," Mercier told the 91原创 Advance Times.

Mercier, the current Minister of State for Workforce Development, won the 91原创 seat in 2020 with just over 47 per cent of the vote, defeating high-profile incumbent Liberal MLA Mary Polak, a four-time winner who finished second with 34 per cent. Bill Masse of the Green party was second and Conservative Shelley Jan was fourth.

As of Monday, neither the official opposition B.C. United, or Conservative, or Green parties had announced candidates to contest 91原创-Willowbrook in the pending provincial election.

Under a 2021 electoral redistribution that increased the number of ridings from two to three, 91原创-Willowbrook was created out of the 91原创 riding. It includes 91原创 City, the rapidly growing Willowbrook area in 91原创 Township, as well as a portion of South 91原创.

Following his nomination meeting, Mercier sounded confident.

"In four years, we've delivered a lot for 91原创," Mercier commented.

"We're bringing the SkyTrain to 91原创. We just announced a new school expansion of 200 seats at Nicomekl School, and we're building on childcare in 91原创 City." 

According to the latest poll results released by the Angus Reid firm at the end of May, the B.C.  NDP were holding an 11-point advantage provincially, ahead of an expected September campaign and October election.

Reid reported the New Democrats were leading in vote intention at 41 per cent, representing an 11-point advantage over the Conservative Party of B.C. at 30 per cent. Opposition BC United were third, supported by 16 per cent of would-be voters, a 50 per cent drop from the party鈥檚 2020 election popular vote, when it was defeated by the NDP in a snap election called by then-premier John Horgan.