Another candidate has stepped forward to replace former Saanich councillor Vic Derman, who died in March. Rebecca Mersereau is a water-resource management consultant who chairs the Capital Regional District Water Advisory Committee. She ran unsuccessfully for Saanich council in 2014.
She joins Nathalie Chambers, an organic farmer, who announced in April her intention to run in the byelection. The date of the byelection has not been set.
Derman died unexpectedly at the age of 72 in his sleep on March 17. He had been on Saanich council since 2002. Derman had encouraged Mersereau to run for council, said his widow, Lauraine. In a statement, she said he thought Mersereau would be a “principled and thoughtful addition” to council. “We’re thrilled she’s stepped forward to try to carry on his legacy.”
