A local student has been named leader of the B.C. Young Liberals for the next year, including May’s provincial election.
Nicole Paul has been named to president of organization at the Liberal Party’s annual convention in Whistler last weekend.
Paul is a Westview secondary grad, now in her fourth year of political science and economics at the University of Victoria.
“I’ve always just had an interest in politics,” said Paul, who used to be a constituency assistant intern at MLA Marc Dalton’s Maple Ridge office.
Paul said her family isn’t politically involved. She just became interested while watching the 2001 election of the Liberals under then leader Gordon Campbell.
She also helped Dalton win his seat in Maple Ridge-Mission in 2009, and assisted George Abbott in the race for Liberal leader in 2011.
“It was a life-changing event for me,” Paul said of the latter.
“It really clarified for me what I want to do with my life.”
The 21-year-old must have been doing something right because she was working out of the downtown office and was on Abbott’s core campaign team.
Over the next year, Paul will organize events and training for young Liberals and, when she can, help Dalton on his 2013 campaign.
“We’re a huge election resource for the party,” she said of the B.C. Young Liberals.
Paul also supports current leader Christy Clark, saying she’s a good role model. “She’s doing a great job for the party, uniting the party.”
At some point, Paul may run for office, although she’d like to get some experience in the private sector first.
“I think you need some experience outside politics to be an effective politician.”