British Columbia is a truly remarkable part of the world – and my wife, three children and I have found that Port Moody-Westwood is an equally remarkable part of British Columbia. Our constituency – encompassing Port Moody, Anmore, Belcarra and a significant part of Coquitlam – is vibrant, diverse and growing rapidly, as job opportunities and a strong economy attract more and more residents to our spectacular neighbourhoods.
This growth comes with benefits and challenges; benefits that include economic resources we are using today to enhance our health care, our schools and education services, and our social safety net that supports our seniors and others who need our help; challenges that relate to transportation, law and order (including grow-ops!), our environment and other concerns that impact us on a daily basis.
Having chosen to live here, and having committed to seek election in the May 17 provincial vote, my vision for Port Moody-Westwood includes continuing to deliver a strong voice in Victoria to ensure appropriate resources are committed to build on the benefits and address the challenges, above.
Much has been accomplished during the last four years and the evidence is apparent throughout our constituency – in new schools, new community facilities, new transportation developments and increased funding for education, health and social services. In emphasizing five fundamental goals for our province, your BC Liberal government aims to keep us on a sound course that will continue to build a better British Columbia for each of us, for our children, and those in our community who count on our help and support. These goals are:
1 MAKE BC THE BEST EDUCATED AND MOST LITERATE PLACE ON THE CONTINENT.
2 LEAD THE WAY IN NORTH AMERICA IN HEALTHY LIVING AND PHYSICAL FITNESS.
3 BUILD THE BEST SYSTEM OF SUPPORT IN CANADA FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, SPECIAL NEEDS, CHILDREN AT RISK AND SENIORS.
4 LEAD THE WORLD IN SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, WITH THE BEST AIR AND WATER QUALITY AND BEST FISHERIES MANAGEMENT, BAR NONE.
5 CREATE MORE JOBS PER CAPITA THAN ANYWHERE IN CANADA.
I will work hard on your behalf to help achieve these goals because I know that only a strong economy delivers resources we can use to make choices about new and existing social programs. A sound economy and strong fiscal management have already paved the way for tax reductions for 730,000 lower and modest income British Columbians, increased funding for health and education and a record $1.7 billion payment on our provincial debt.
Knowing there is more to be done was a strong motivator for me in deciding to seek election in Port Moody-Westwood. We’re on the right track and with your help we can keep the momentum going as we head towards a Golden Decade for British Columbia.