Town of Gibsons councillor Andrea Goldsmith announced this week she is seeking the Green Party nomination for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast in the next federal election.
Goldsmith joins CUPE 801 president Alice Lutes, who filed her papers last week seeking the NDP candidacy. Former B.C. Marijuana Party leader Dana Larsen has also announced his intentions to seek the NDP banner, and West Vancouver community activist and senior federal Liberal John Moonen threw his hat into the political ring in November.
Goldsmith had an interview with Green Party officials yesterday (Jan. 23) and hopes to officially file her papers shortly.Goldsmith said she has been pondering this decision for quite a while and finally made up her mind last week.
"It's something I feel compelled to do," Goldsmith said. "It was like when I ran for Gibsons council. I want to bring accountability and integrity back into politics. When you put your head and your heart into decision making, you can make better decisions. I don't like the way the Liberals are running this country. I'm running to give people a choice. We need to elect representatives who have integrity and govern with the interest of all and run this country responsibly."
Goldsmith said she chose the Green Party because they are socially responsible and fiscally responsible, things she wants to bring to this riding if elected.
"I want to inspire voters and let them know they have a choice once election time rolls around," she said. "I think I can demonstrate that in this time of scandal and corruption, not all of us who are in politics are like that. We need politicians who will represent young and old and get them to re-engage in the political system. We need someone who people can vote for and feel good about, and I think I'm that person."
Goldsmith said she has not decided what her status will be as a Gibsons councillor. She hopes if she is elected she could do both jobs.
"I'm not thinking that far down the line yet," she said. "If I am successful, I want to see if there is a way to do both. I think it's important to spend more time in this constituency and be accountable to more people, especially right here on the Sunshine Coast."
Originally from Montreal, the 36-year-old Goldsmith has lived on the Coast for a little over five years. She recently bought a home and said she is feeling more and more connected to the Coast every day.
"I'm building a nice home here and this is where I want to live and work," Goldsmith said. "My first year on Gibsons council has taught me a lot. The most important thing I've learned is how the system works, the process and how long it takes sometimes to get things done. I think I'm building a positive working relationship with staff and the other councillors, and I think that is tremendously valuable for me as I seek this new opportunity."
Goldsmith said she knows it's going to be a tall order going up against current West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast MP John Reynolds, but she feels she is up for the challenge.
"We're dominated by West Vancouver in this riding, and I don't think the Coast is represented very well in Ottawa," Goldsmith said. "I want to represent the whole riding but focus on the Coast. I don't know much about the other candidates, but I'm certainly looking forward to engaging in the process."
