A Gibsons resident has announced he is running for the BC Liberal nomination in the Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding.
Patrick Muncaster described himself as a family man who has worked in Ottawa as a ministerial aid and in the federal civil service. For most of his life, though, he has worked in private enterprise in the telecommunications industry.
Muncaster made his announcement over YouTube. “In the coming election, the people of this province have important decisions to make about the path this province and this riding are going to take,” he said. “I believe we have a great future ahead of us.”
One of the core issues for the province is making sure the economy is strong, Muncaster said. “Clearly the government would like to be able to spend more on all kinds of things,” he said. “The reality is in 2008 when things collapsed, government revenues at all levels took a real hit.”
The main issue for Muncaster is having a strong economy that supports jobs, he said. “Number one is keeping the province on a sound financial footing and moving us from a deficit situation where we have to borrow just to keep the current levels of expenditures to putting us to a balance,” he said. “When that happens, that will allow us to address things that obviously the government would like to address, but feels it’s prudent to hold the line on.”
He also thinks it’s important to have good transportation and communication infrastructure, Muncaster said. “That’s really important for the coast,” he said.
The riding is currently held by the New Democratic Party. MLA Nicholas Simons was first elected in 2005 and re-elected in 2009. From 2001 to 2005, BC Liberal Harold Long held the seat, but he did not run for re-election.
The next provincial election will be held in May 2013.
City of Powell River Councillor Chris McNaughton is president of Powell River-Sunshine Coast BC Liberal Riding Association. “We’re pleased that Patrick has announced his interest in seeking the nomination,” he said.
Nominations for the riding association are open until the meeting date, which will be scheduled in mid to late January, McNaughton added. The association is expecting the meeting will be held on the south coast.
McNaughton said the association was hopeful that other candidates will express an interest in running for the BC Liberals in the riding. “Any nomination meeting is more exciting if you have multiple candidates,” he said. “It enriches the party through memberships and interest. While we appreciate Patrick’s intention to run, we’re certainly hopeful that other high profile candidates will also put their names forward.”
Muncaster’s announcement can be viewed online.
