---
title: "Retired teacher Kathryn Askew named BC NDP candidate for Cariboo-Chilcotin"
description: "Kathryn Askew of Canim Lake, a retired teacher with 32 years in the classroom, will run for the BC NDP in Cariboo-Chilcotin against interim Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/news/kathryn-askew-ndp-cariboo-chilcotin-2026"
last_updated: "2026-10-10T04:07:01.863Z"
---

Kathryn Askew of Canim Lake has been named the BC NDP candidate for Cariboo-Chilcotin, the Williams Lake Tribune reported on October 1, 2026. Askew will face the riding's current MLA, BC Conservative interim leader [Lorne Doerkson](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/lorne-doerkson), in the October 24 provincial election.

Askew is a retired teacher who spent 32 years in the classroom, according to the Tribune. During that career she served in leadership roles with the BC Teachers' Federation, including as local president and bargaining chair. She also received a national award for innovative teaching, the news release said.

"I saw the damage caused by cuts to schools and public services under the previous government, and I know there is more work to do," Askew said in the BC NDP news release, as reported by the Tribune.

## Community record

Outside of teaching, Askew has a community service history in the Cariboo region. The Tribune reports she volunteers with the Hawkins Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the Forest Grove Legion, and the Canim Lake Community Club, all in or near Canim Lake where she lives.

BC NDP leader David Eby announced Askew as part of a broader slate of candidates on October 1. Eby said the candidates know their communities and the challenges people face.

## The riding

Doerkson has represented Cariboo-Chilcotin since 2017 and took on the interim party leadership role this year. He is also the Conservative candidate for Cariboo-Chilcotin in this race, as reported by the Tribune and confirmed at [/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/lorne-doerkson](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/lorne-doerkson).

Nominations for the provincial election close October 3, 2026 at 1 p.m. Pacific time. Elections BC will publish the complete candidate list for the riding after that deadline.

## What voters in Cariboo-Chilcotin can do

Voters in Cariboo-Chilcotin can read about Lorne Doerkson at [/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/lorne-doerkson](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/lorne-doerkson). Advance voting runs October 16 to 21. The full candidate list for Cariboo-Chilcotin will be confirmed at elections.bc.ca once nominations close on October 3 at 1 p.m. PT.

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/bc/provincial-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.