Photo: Green Party

Keli Westgate is hoping the luck of Irish is with her as the Green Party candidate officially launches her campaign for the Vernon Monashee riding on Mar. 17th – St. Patrick's Day.

Last month, Westgate was declared the Green's candidate for the May 9th provincial election.

Anyone interested in speaking with Westgate is invited to join her at Triumph Coffee, 3401 30th Avenue, this Friday from 4-6 p.m.

“In order for our democracy to work, people have to participate. I hope to inspire many more people to get involved,” Westgate said in a press release. “This is not the time to sit on the sidelines.”

The Green Party candidate said she is against any new fossil fuel infrastructure and in favour of the development of local jobs.

“With a focus on health at all levels – be it water, land or air quality, access to doctors, an active transportation network – I will bring sustainable solutions....I will promote policies that support all ages, income levels, abilities and businesses. There is so much potential in our Valley that just needs a new perspective to fully realize it. “

Westgate is sales and marketing manager for Spa Hills Compost and has a background in multimedia production and communications. She is also a director for the non-profit Sustainable Environment Network Society.

Other candidates in the race include current Liberal MLA Eric Foster, NDP candidate Barry Dorval and Don Jefcoat of the Libertarian Party of B.C.

Jefcoat said this week he now had the required number of signatures to enter the race.