The B.C. Conservative Party has chosen a candidate to run in 琉璃神社-Mission.

Chuck Hardy will try and unset two-term B.C. Liberal incumbent Steve Thomson, the province鈥檚 forests, lands and natural resource operations minister.

Hardy, a life-long resident of 琉璃神社 who traces his family鈥檚 roots in the area back to his grandfather鈥檚 arrival on horseback in 1891, worked for City of 琉璃神社 for 22 years before retiring.

His previous political experience was an unsuccessful run for mayor of 琉璃神社 in 2014 in which he emphasized how he felt the city could do more to facilitate growth and development.

鈥淚 come from a background in which relationship-building is key,鈥� wrote Hardy on the B.C. Conservatives website, noting his many years volunteering for the International Order of Job鈥檚 Daughters and helping to fund and build social housing projects in Mexico. He is also an instructor of hunting safety and safe handling of firearms.

鈥淢y purpose in life has been to always focus on being of service to others and that will continue to be the cornerstone of my work as a Member of the Legislative Assembly if the citizens of the 琉璃神社 area were to elect me on May 9,鈥� he said.

鈥淲e really need to shake up the province,鈥� said Hardy, promising to conduct a spirited campaign. 鈥淚 feel a responsibility to do what is best for this great area, this great province and our great country,鈥�

Hardy is the third candidate announced by the B.C. Conservatives, who are currently without a party leader following the dismissal of two-time leader Dan Brooks, won was forced to step down because of a technicality associated with his leadership.

Hardy said he feels constituents of 琉璃神社-Mission know which problems take precedence and know that a dedicated team is needed for the next political term, adding he feels it鈥檚 time for a new governing party in Victoria, one he predicts will do a better job of keeping jobs in the province while respecting workers, protecting the environment and growing the economy.

鈥淲e have to start showing better respect for the workers of our province without whom it would not be as successful as it is today,鈥� said Hardy, promising to listen to the concerns of all constituents, 鈥渘ot only those who make large donations in the expectation of receiving favours from government.鈥�

In 2013, Thomson was re-elected in 琉璃神社 Mission with just 56.8 per cent of the vote after winning it for the first time in 2009 with just under 54 per cent of the vote.