The Christian Heritage Party is on its way to having a candidate run in the South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale riding in the next federal election, now that four board members have been appointed to its local Electoral District Association.

Those members completed the party's screening process Aug. 18, "to prevent any unwanted dirt from entering the party," according to Michael Schouten, now the EDA's chief executive officer.

The next step is to register the EDA with Elections Canada and hold a nomination meeting.

Schouten, a Cloverdale resident for six years, is hoping to be chosen as the candidate.

"We haven't had the nomination meeting yet, but that is my intent."

A greenhouse worker, Schouten was a member of the Conservative Party for three years before branching off due to differences in beliefs.

"I, along with other people, worked hard for the Conservative Party to get Russ Hiebert nominated and get him elected in several elections now," he said. "We don't see any positive change in regards to the social issues of the land, and we see this as an opportunity to give voters a chance to vote for a party that is in line with what they believe and the values they hold."

While Schouten said he has given serious thought to running independently for Surrey council, he is most passionate about federal matters.

As a candidate, he said he would bring forward issues of abortion, fiscal responsibility and same-sex marriage.

"There are certain things that should be done in order to give the public an opportunity to have a say, and in order as a CHP candidate... to put pressure on Parliament to deal with these issues."

There are currently seven CHP candidates in B.C., and one other in Surrey – Kevin Pielak for Surrey-North.

Schouten said a CHP candidate has never ran in South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale.

For more information on the local riding association, e-mail sswrc.chp@gmail.com or visit www.chp.ca