The Federal Liberals have announced their candidate in the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo riding as speculation about a fall federal election continues to linger.

George Petel, a lawyer, will carry the party’s flag after he was acclaimed as the candidate.

Born in Kamloops, and raised in the Bonaparte-Cache Creek-Ashcroft area, Petel went to St. Ann’s Academy, John Peterson Junior Secondary, as well as Kamloops Senior Secondary, now South Kamloops Secondary.

Of Secwépemc and Caucasian heritage, Petel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Calgary before attending the University of British Columbia’s Allard School of Law. He then went on to work at a national law firm in Calgary, focusing on construction and commercial law.

“I am an entrepreneur at heart and love the entrepreneurial spirit that flows throughout our riding,” Petel said, in a statement. “Issues that are important to me are, in part, reflected in the organizations that I volunteer my time.”

“I believe in a strong economy, I believe in helping vulnerable people, and I believe in environmental sustainability.”

Two other parties have announced their candidates in the upcoming federal election – Bill Sundhu of the NDP and Coraly Delwo of the People’s Party.

The Conservatives have four candidates seeking the nomination to replace retiring four-term MP Cathy McLeod – Frank Caputo, Bev DeSantis, Michael Grenier, and Ward Stamer.

The next federal election is scheduled to take place no later than October 16, 2023.