In the eighth and final instalment of our provincial election question and answer series, Powell River Peak asks candidates in the Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding perhaps their most difficult question yet: why should we vote for them? [Editor’s note: BC Cascadia Party candidate Reuben Richards did not provide a submission.]
Why are you the best candidate for this riding?
Kim Darwin, BC Green Party
My work/life/volunteer experiences help me identify with the most diverse number of people in our riding.
My years with the Sechelt Chamber of Commerce gave me the opportunity to author policies for BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce. Successful adoption of the policies involved skilled negotiation and collaboration with chambers across the province and country; skills I will put to good use as your MLA.
As an independent mortgage broker and conveyancer, I have a background in property and finance and understand the struggles people face in our housing market. Affordability is a huge issue that must be addressed so our communities can grow and flourish.
The BC Green Party is not whipped, which affords me the opportunity to cast a vote that aligns with my values and the wishes of constituents. This is very important to me. It is the government’s job to support community-based decisions, not for communities to accept top-down government decisions.
One of the largest benefits to electing me as your MLA is that I can cross party lines to negotiate with the Liberals and NDP. This means you don’t have to gamble on which party obtains the majority of votes. I can and will work and negotiate with both.
This is how the BC Greens achieved the only two opposition-party bills that have passed in the last 16 years. With me as your MLA, you will have more collaborative, cooperative representation in the BC Legislature than you have had for 16 years or more.
In addition to raising three wonderful children, Kim Darwin was a legal assistant for 16 years before opening her own mortgage-broker business. She is president of the Sechelt Chamber of Commerce and was the elected provincial council secretary for the BC Green Party for two and a half years. She is an herbalist, having studied traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western herbal medicine.
Nicholas Simons, BC New Democratic Party
We need representation with integrity; someone who will represent the issues and the people of the Sunshine Coast in a passionate, co-operative way. My record shows my ability to work with government, bureaucracies and agencies to try to win the best possible outcome for the community.
My staff and I have helped hundreds of constituents with a variety of issues. My record is clear, despite working with an often hostile government. Anyone in this position needs to know how to foster and nurture good relations, even if your political perspectives do not align.
Despite those differences, I have advocated repeatedly for local community groups, businesses and charities. I don’t say no to any constituent, whether they’re looking for funding or some other kind of help from the cabinet or the civil service.
I invited minister Bill Bennett to the Sunshine Coast to meet with some residents in Sechelt Inlet about a proposed mine. He saw the problems firsthand, and the mine did not happen. I met with the minister responsible for the meat-production regulations; exemptions were then made for our community. Farmers on the Sunshine Coast and Haida Gwaii now can slaughter their own livestock for local consumption.
What got me into politics were issues around social justice and the protection of vulnerable children.The NDP is head and shoulders above the other two main parties when it comes to addressing inequality and the needs of community members. I’m gratified to be part of that.
Nicholas Simons was first elected MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast in 2005. Before entering politics, he spent more than 15 years working in health, justice, social services and child welfare, including 10 years as director of health and social services for Sechelt (shíshálh) First Nation. Simons, an accomplished cellist, is also a past president of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council.
Mathew Wilson, BC Liberal Party
I understand how government works. My 15 years of experience with the federal government proves I can deliver results. I worked with first nations on economic development projects, negotiated residential school claim settlements and drafted simplified regulations.
As a regular commuter on BC Ferries and member of the Southern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee, I understand the impact ferries have on families, businesses and tourism. I am committed to fixing the problems. This means affordability and reliable schedules to support our community's needs.
I have two young daughters. I am committed to ensuring our children continue to receive good education, our schools receive the funding they need and there are job opportunities in our communities when they graduate.
I have parents and grandparents in this riding. I will ensure health services are available so all seniors have access to services and receive the best quality of care.
I was raised on the southern Sunshine Coast and have family in Roberts Creek, Sechelt and Powell River, so I know this riding intimately. Growing up on a heritage farm gave me an understanding of water and food security issues.
My family has served this community for generations, either in community service or holding elected office. I understand the value of public service and commit to working hard to support our communities and your family.
Every day, I hear that you want a representative with a strong voice who works hard for you in Victoria. On May 9, I ask that you elect me. I will work for you.
Raised on the Sunshine Coast, with family in Powell River, Mathew Wilson currently lives in Roberts Creek and is father to two daughters. He works for the federal government; 10 years in Ottawa, most recently five years commuting to work in Vancouver. Among his many experiences is five years of negotiating agreements with first nations on resource economic development and residential school claims.
Remember to vote on Tuesday, May 9. Polls are open from 8 am-8 pm at various locations. For more information, go to elections.bc.ca.
