Norma Blissett of Cranbrook wins New Democratic Party nomination for Kootenay East

Norma Blissett of Cranbrook will carry the New Democratic Party banner as its candidate in Kootenay East  in the next British Columbia provincial election.

She defeated Fernie city councillor Randal Macnair at the party’s nominating convention in Cranbrook on September 22.

“I’m honoured by this vote of confidence from the local NDP members,” said Blissett, “and I will work hard between now and the May 14 election to become the MLA for Kootenay East.”

“I believe that with my resource industry background and my experience in the community, I can be a strong voice for the people of Kootenay East,” said Blissett.

“After talking with constituents in the Elk Valley and Cranbrook it is clear that many people are looking for a change in government. They want an MLA that will listen and act on their concerns. They want an MLA that will respect the views of all constituents. I believe that I can be that MLA”

Blissett, 51, is a forester and a high school teacher. Originally from Ontario, for the past 17 years she has lived in Cranbrook, where she raised her three children—Douglas, Mathew and Hope.

Blissett currently teaches forestry, science and math at Mount Baker Secondary School. Previously she was employed as a Forest Educator by a group of East Kootenay forest companies. In Ontario, she worked as a forester for the Ministry of Natural Resources and as a science teacher at Port Hope High School.

Blissett earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University, and a Master’s in Leadership from Gonzaga University.

She has served as a volunteer for a number of organizations including Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook, East Kootenay Child Care Resource Centre, Salvation Army, Heart and Stroke Society, Kimberley North Star Ski Racers and Cranbrook Minor Lacrosse. Blissett enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and skiing.