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Former city councillor wins Liberal nomination for Porter Creek South

Ranj Pillai has won the Liberal nomination for the riding of Porter Creek South in the upcoming territorial election.

Ranj Pillai has won the Liberal nomination for the riding of Porter Creek South in the upcoming territorial election.

Pillai is executive director for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. He’s also a former city councillor.

Both he and Russ Hobbis sought the riding’s nomination. At a Monday night meeting, 112 ballots were cast by Liberal Party members.

“My time on city council was an incredibly fulfilling experience, and it is with that same work ethic and dedication that I wish to move forward and to represent the people of Porter Creek South,” Pillai said back in April, when he announced his bid for the nomination.

Pillai doesn’t live in Porter Creek South - he lives in the Mountainview riding - but one of his sons attends Porter Creek Secondary School. Pillai has volunteered there as a coach for 15 years.

He decided not to run in his home riding because former city councillor Mike Gladish is already seeking the Liberal nomination there.

Pillai has been involved with the Yukon Liberals since 2004. He was party president in 2007, 2008 and 2015.

Back in 2011, he was one of the councillors who voted against development of the Porter Creek D site. The plan was controversial; residents voiced their concerns about construction around McIntyre Creek.

Pillai has also worked as senior vice-president of operations and business development with Northern Vision Development and director for the Ta’an Kwach’an Council’s development corporation.

Porter Creek South is currently held by Health and Social Services Minister Mike Nixon.