BC Provincial Election: A summary

As a student at SDSS and a member of the South Delta community, I think it's important to understand the election, even if I can't vote. This provincial election was called on September 21st by NDP Premier John Horgan. The election date will be Saturday, October 24th.

In the South Delta Riding, we have three candidates: Current Liberal MLA Ian Paton, Bruce Reid for the BC NDP Party and Peter Van Der Velden for the BC Green Party.
Today I will be giving a general overview of each of their campaigns, first up, Current MLA Ian Paton.

Ian Paton, BC Liberal Party
Ian Paton is running for the Liberal Party this year. His campaign is centered around "return to the basics of good government" by lowering taxes, and supporting small and local businesses as a way to "rebuild our economy from the ground up". 

Ian's political background is deeply rooted in service to Delta, In 2010 he was elected as a councilor in Delta. He was also a chairman of the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Dikes and Drainage Committee.
Ian was also the council liaison for the Delta Farmers’ Institute, the Ladner Business Association, and as a representative on the Metro Vancouver Regional Planning and Agriculture Committee.
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Bruce Reid, BC New Democratic Party
Bruce Reid is new to Provincial politics and has chosen to run as an NDP candidate. He has worked as a teacher, counsellor, and currently as a school trustee. His campaign is built on protecting and funding the BC education system. He also has said that he wants to support farmers and local farm employees, added grants and support for small businesses. And that he will help poverty and homelessness in South Delta.


Peter van der Velden, BC Green Party
Peter van der Velden has lived in Tsawwassen for around 10 years.
His campaign has three main goals: Improving care for seniors, Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and Reviewing the viability of the Tilbury Expansion Project.


Improving care for seniors: 
The BC Green Party has introduced a plan to subsidize for-profit senior homes and services with a mix of public, community-based services and co-ops. The plan also includes recognizing caregivers as health care professionals.


Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies:
"The millions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidies should go to our communities". The plan is to use tax dollars to support a sustainable and green economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and support strengthening communities in our province. And to provide communities with the support they need to boost our economy and help those that need it most


Reviewing the viability of the Tilbury Expansion Project:
He is a criticizer of the LNG Tilbury expansion plan, which aims to increase LNG production by 900% its original operation and export over the Fraser River, and could potentially violate international safety standards.


I am in no way telling you how to vote (if you are eligible), and this is only a surface level overview, for more information, try contacting the campaign offices and make sure to keep up to date with the Delta Optimist. I will try to make some more in-depth analysis of this election in the week to come. Use the links below to contact me and ask questions/concerns.

Liam Murray
@liam.murray_sdss
www.liammurray.tk