New Democrats in Mountainview met virtually Monday evening to nominate Michelle Friesen as the riding’s candidate for the pending territorial election.

It’s currently represented by Liberal cabinet minister Jeanie McLean.

“I love where I live and I’m proud of how our community has come together to keep each other safe in the pandemic,” said Friesen.

“But I also know that the sacrifices people have made are having a real impact on their health, physical and mental.

“I hope to end the stigma attached to mental health and make services more accessible so everyone can get the care they need when they need it – not just the few who can afford it now.

“If we’re going to get through this together, we need stronger health care services that work for people at every stage of life,” Friesen added.

“Kate White is the leader who’s going to deliver that. I’m excited to be the voice for Mountainview on her team as we work to improve the services that matter to people.”

Ashley Cummings has also been pursuing the nomination. Cummings spoke before votes were counted to announce she was throwing her support behind Friesen.

“I’m putting my wholehearted support behind Michelle,” said Cummings.

“I am honoured to hold up another powerful Indigenous woman, and I am honoured to have been held up by her as well.

“It has been amazing hearing about and witnessing the work Michelle puts into supporting her friends, family, and community, and I have no doubt in my mind that she will do Mountainview justice in representing our beautiful home.”

“I’m grateful to Ashley for stepping forward and showing other youth and Indigenous women that their voices matter,” said Friesen.

“She’s a passionate advocate and I’m excited to keep working with her to make life better for people in Mountainview.”

Friesen is the founder of ShredHers, a women’s mountain biking program she started to give women a place to focus on their mental health and wellness during the pandemic.

She has worked in the past with the federal government’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) and is currently on leave from her work with the Yukon Region of the Assembly of First Nations.

“People want to know that the care they need is going to be accessible to them where they need it, when they need it,” said White.

“Right now, they’re just not getting that from government. Michelle has shown her commitment to the health of people in her community. We’re going to work to make health care easier to access for everyone.”

The riding was a close race in 2016, with NDP candidate Shaunagh Stikeman coming up just a handful of votes shy of victory.