Kamloops City Councillor Bill Sarai is eyeing the provincial nomination for the NDP in the newly formed Kamloops Centre riding.

Sarai, who retired after a 31-year career with Canada Post was asked why he’s looking to make the jump to provincial politics, midway through his second term on City Council.

“Being elected twice, I feel like I have the deep understanding of the issues that are affecting our city and everyday life – affordability, public safety, and making sure the city grows in a sustainable and successful way,” Sarai said.

“I want to take these issues to the next level of government, and advocate for the residents of Kamloops.”

Speaking on the NL Noon Report, Sarai said he hasn’t “seen anything come to Kamloops in a substantial way” over the past 20 years, noting he wants to make sure Kamloops is not forgotten by the provincial government.

“If we want to keep the Tournament Capital brand here, we need to step up, and Kamloops can’t do it on our own,” Sarai said. “I think by having a seat in Victoria and campaigning on that, I think it’ll be a good thing.”

Sarai, who was first elected to Kamloops council in 2018, and reelected in 2022, says he was approached by the NDP to run for a provincial seat.

“It was mentioned to me last term. The party reached out to me and I said, ‘no. My heart and dedication is to city council,'” Sarai said.

“They’ve actually pushed for this and they’ve seen the work I’ve done in the background for our mayor and council to have meetings with the sitting government in Victoria, and hopefully they’ll be some good things coming our way because of that.”

The new Kamloops-Centre riding encompassing the city’s “urban core” as well as the surrounding neighbourhoods of Aberdeen, Dufferin, the Thompson Rivers University precinct, North Kamloops, and Brocklehurst.

If Sarai wins the NDP nomination in Kamloops Centre, he’ll be running against incumbent BC United MLA Peter Milobar. The BC Green Party and the BC Conservatives have yet to announce candidates.

The provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 19.