Changes to the electoral boundaries have created new challenges for the residents of Cumberland and the Baynes Sound communities – Royston, Union Bay and Fanny Bay. The strong, effective representation from MLA Don McRae has served the residents of Comox-Courtenay very well, and I intend to keep up that fine tradition.
I was born and raised in the Alberni Valley, with 10 years in Campbell River and three years in Terrace. When my parents pulled stakes from Port Alberni in 1980 to move to Comox, I stayed behind with my new girlfriend, Randi.
Now, 37 years later, we’re still married, have three wonderful daughters and four fantastic grandchildren.
My motivation to run as an MLA is an extension of the work I do in my community. I recently served six years on the Port Alberni Port Authority, advancing transportation plans for highways, shipping and LNG. Lobbying for improvements to Highway 4 into Port Alberni has resulted in a commitment of $24 million for upgrades.
Funds have been secured for a pre-feasibility of the Meadowood Connector, which if built, will shorten the time and distance for Comox Valley residents to Tofino. And we are updating the Cathedral Grove Park Master Plan to generate new improvements for park amenities, a safe and convenient parking facility, and potential expansion to park boundaries.
I believe in giving back to my community. I am a director of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Jr ‘A’ hockey team, a community run organization committed to sports, education and community excellence.
I have served on business and tourism associations and continue to give back to organizations like Ducks Unlimited and the Pacific Salmon Foundation who are committed to conservation, and the public’s right to hunt and fish.
I will work to learn and understand the issues important to Cumberland and the Baynes Sound communities. I will help protect and enhance the important shellfish industries.
I will support the BC Liberal governments efforts to balance budgets, maintain the AAA credit rating and the strongest GDP growth in the country.
The BC Liberal Jobs Plan is second to none, creating 220,000 jobs since 2011, the best in the nation.
All of this is at risk. John Horgan and the NDP would throw it all away with an uncontrolled tax and spend government. The NDP platform for the medical premiums is a policy without a plan - a $1.7 billion annual guessing game. Their job killing policies on energy and forestry will decimate rural communities. NDP candidate Scott Fraser has been the representative for 12 years, watching from the opposition’s bench.
The Alberni Valley has suffered, and you will too without a voice in government.
You have a decision to make. To be a part of a government with a vision for a strong, prosperous BC, and a candidate who believes in a bright future. Or, to spend four years on the opposition back benches.
On May 9 please vote for Darren Deluca, BC Liberal, as your representative in Victoria.