Student to carry NDP flag in Humber West

A university student will represent the NDP in a byelection next month in western Newfoundland, the party has announced.

Rosie Myers was named Friday as the party's candidate in the Feb. 15 byelection, which was called after former premier Danny Williams retired from politics in December.

A St. John's native now completing an arts degree in Corner Brook at Memorial University's Grenfell Campus, Myers said she was pleased to be associated with a party that has "such energy, momentum and commitment to their principles."

Myers completes the slate of candidates from the major parties for the byelection. High school principal Vaughn Granter won a five-nomination battle for the Progressive Conservatives, while lawyer Mark Watton is representing the Liberals.

In a statement, NDP Leader Lorraine Michael said she is expecting a strong showing in the district.

"Although she is a very busy student Rosie has shown her incredible spirit by coming forward as a person New Democrats and the people of Humber West can be proud to vote for," Michael said.

Williams held Humber West from 2001 until his resignation. Prior to that, former Liberal cabinet minister Paul Dicks had held the seat for a dozen years.