The provincial election campaign has officially begun on the Sunshine Coast.
Last Friday, Liberal candidate Dawn Miller formally introduced her campaign team and opened her office in Sechelt. Miller will be seeking to defeat current member of the legislative assembly (MLA) Nicholas Simons, who was officially nominated on Feb. 7 by the New Democrats at their convention in Powell River.
Miller, who has an economic and business background, moved to the Coast in 2004 with her husband Bob. Her association with the Coast began in 1996 when they purchased the Sechelt H&R Block franchise. When Bob took early retirement from his position as dean of business at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, the couple felt the time was right to permanently set up stakes on the Coast.
Miller said although the formal campaign began last Friday, she started on the campaign trail in August and has been working to meet as many people in the riding as she can and to learn about the issues.
She said she is looking forward to the campaign and to debating Simons on the issues, such as the economy, environment, seniors and health care.
"I entered politics because it's an opportunity to make a difference," said Miller. "I know that sounds clichéd, but I've been watching what has been happening on the Sunshine Coast with regards to the economy and I'm very concerned that we have a balanced and sustainable approach to development. "What we've seen has been a spurt in development and then we see a pull back and it looks like we don't have an overall plan, so is the best place to do something about that at the municipal, regional or provincial level? I've decided that it's at the provincial level as that is the area where programs and policies are put in place that can encourage development and that's why I'm running."
When asked what are the differences between herself and Simons, Miller said it is in their personal backgrounds, namely business.
"That's why I have such a strong focus on the economy and that's one area I want to be working hard for the constituents of this riding," she said. "Really the big difference is the party and the party approach to governing the province and building the economy. I firmly believe that the B.C. Liberal Party has a better plan and that's why people should vote for me. It really isn't so much about the individual candidate, although we are important because we are the ones that represent the riding in Victoria, but it's all about who you want to see lead. It's my belief that Premier Campbell will be a better leader in these tough economic times than Carol James."
