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Another challenger for B.C. ag minister Pam Alexis in upcoming provincial election

Another challenger for B.C. ag minister Pam Alexis in upcoming provincial election

Merrick Matteazzi will run for BC United in Abbotsford-Mission

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

If B.C. Agriculture and Food Minister Pam Alexis wants to keep her Abbotsford-Mission seat in the upcoming provincial election, she’ll have to defeat two challengers.

BC United announced Merrick Matteazzi will run in the riding on behalf of the party.

Matteazzi, a licensed realtor, is entering politics to ensure his three young children have a better B.C. than the status quo.

Merrick Matterazzi
Merrick Matteazzi

“I cannot stand by and watch the promise of beautiful British Columbia erode,” he said in a statement. “The B.C. that I want my children to grow up in is worth fighting for, and I am excited to get to work in creating the bold change our community deserves.”

The other candidate vying for Alexis’s seat is also a real estate professional.

Reann Gasper will run for the Conservatives in the election.

“Her allegiance to the Conservative Party is rooted in shared values of freedom, personal responsibility, and promoting the growth of private enterprise,” her party profile says. “Reann stands for real, tangible change and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, uplifting the community and amplifying the voices of British Columbia residents.”

Minister Alexis announced her intention to run again in December 2023.

The NDP isn’t finished working for British Columbians, and she wants to be part of that work.

“I know that there is more work to do and things like the cost of living, health care and housing are on people’s minds and I really hope that I get to continue doing the work for people in Abbotsford and Mission,” she told The Abbotsford News in December.

Alexis defeated Liberal MLA Simon Gibson in the 2020 election.

She won with 10,364, or about 41 per cent of voter support.


Trending Video

California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.