In this first issue of 2012, Coast Reporter invited our federal, provincial and local representatives to share their hopes and expectations for the New Year. We look forward to continuing to keep you, our readers, informed about all political happenings on the Coast. This year, as always, our comprehensive news team will be everywhere you can't be. Happy New Year.
JOHN WESTON
Happy 2012 to you!
It is with enthusiasm and gratitude that I greet this brand new year.
The enthusiasm springs from a love for new challenges and meaningful service and from a recognition of great possibilities for the people of this constituency. The gratitude is grounded in the deep understanding that election to service is a lending of trust; I am honoured to represent you.
Our government's economic action plan is working as it is implemented piece by significant piece across the country. The act, entitled Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing, will make beneficial measures of the 2011 budget a reality and take us into the next phase of stability.
When I was first elected, it was made clear to me that voters want a representative who will listen to their concerns, set priorities accordingly and then work with energy and drive to achieve the goals. Together, we've kept our eyes focused on sustained economic recovery, service and infrastructure upgrades, fisheries, health and well being, encouraging trade and commerce with the Pacific Rim and protecting the environment. I have promised to be your voice on Parliament Hill, and please know that you are being heard every time I write a letter or meet with a cabinet minister or stand in the House to speak.
Specifically, I want to acknowledge the passion and ability of elected leaders, First Nations leaders and appointed public officials in our constituency who make countless personal sacrifices for the community they love and serve. Each successful project requires vision, co-operation, determination, open communication and an array of skills found right here.
My best wishes to you all for a wonderful season and a Happy New Year!
- Submitted by John Weston
NICHOLAS SIMONS
Season's Greetings and best wishes for the New Year to residents, family and friends ofthe Sunshine Coast.
I hope everyone has had the time to take in all that the season offers - the lights, the music, the food and, if you're lucky, time with family and friends remembering the past and talking about the future.
It has been a busy year in both constituency offices, trying our best to provide assistance to hundreds of people who come seeking help. I would like to thank Kim and Maggie, my constituency assistants, who do their best to keep me organized.
This year was a milestone for the Sechelt Nation, which celebrated 25 years of self-government. It was also a big year for theSliammon Nation, which initialled a treaty for ratification. I hold my hands up to the chiefs of all Nations in the constituency.
I congratulate all newly elected and re-elected members of our regional and municipal governments, the Islands Trust and school trustees. I would also like to acknowledge and thank each one of their predecessors.
My hopes for the new year include relief from skyrocketing ferry fares, a better way to test senior drivers, expansion of local training and educational opportunities to meet the looming skills shortage and jobs related to the federal shipbuilding projects. I hope that policies will ensure we have a good, sustainable forest industry, that people with developmental disabilities can live full lives and that our water is protected for fish and for drinking.
I continue to meet new residents who have chosen the Sunshine Coast as a place to raise their children and to start their businesses. We are a dynamic community with well-known creativity in the arts and business, innovation in social services and economic development and hope for the future.
- Submitted by Nicholas Simons
GARRY NOHR
The Regional District directors and staff are striving to ensure that Sunshine Coast residents have a great 2012, and we wish all of you a good start to the new year. One of the goals this year is to help everyone understand the role of the Regional District.
It became clear during the recent election that many voters are uninformed about the SCRD mandate. There are numerous Regional District functions, in which all areas of the Coast are involved, and which include initiatives to be completed this year.
It is important that everyone on the Coast gives input as these programs go forward. All residents of the Sunshine Coast - including those living in the municipalities and members of Sechelt and Squamish First Nations - should realize that they are part of the Regional District and can attend meetings and open houses to express their views.
One of the initiatives that will be completed this year will be the solid waste management plan; this will need as much taxpayer input as possible from the whole Coast. Many of you have views on what the enhanced recycling option should be in your areas, while others feel we should hold the line on any tax increase. The program of zero waste is a concept currently, as we strive to meet that objective, but there is a consensus among SCRD directors, staff and the public that we must pursue the goal until it is a reality. The parks and recreation master plan will also be completed this year. Directors and staff must therefore make important fiscal decisions about future programs, including upgrading facilities to be sustainable. Please take the opportunity to talk to SCRD staff and directors about any concerns you have.
We look forward to working with you in 2012.
- Submitted by Garry Nohr
JOHN HENDERSON
2012 is shaping up to be an amazing year for Sechelt!
It's easy to forget that Sechelt is already well known around the world, thanks to our numerous successful businesses and citizens. For example, in 2011, we witnessed the success of Target Marine, SideStix and HapiFoods. My challenge to all of you is: who has the drive and determination to be successful in 2012 and bring further honour and recognition to Sechelt?
There are many ways our community can support development while maintaining the quality of life features that attracted many of us to Sechelt in the first place. Our community needs good quality, stable employment opportunities for current residents and to attract new families. We need improved infrastructure and services to support the local population and the visitors who are the life blood of our many tourism-related businesses.
Your council will be focusing on several priorities in 2012. We have already started the process that will lead to construction of a new, state of the art, environmentally-responsible wastewater treatment facility. This project will provide more treatment capacity, make Sechelt a leader in the field of sewage treatment technology and generate new business opportunities.
We will be focusing on promoting and encouraging business development opportunities while reducing red tape. Working with existing business owners and industry associations, Sechelt will implement new programs to support existing businesses and attract further investment to our community.
As well, we have many opportunities to support and build on our excellent arts, cultural and community activities.
By thinking, planning and acting progressively, Sechelt council will set a higher standard for what local government can accomplish. Working with local residents, the business sector and other levels of government, we will put Sechelt on a course for healthy growth and further success. I invite everyone to be part of this new approach, which will benefit us now and in years to come.
- Submitted by John Henderson
WAYNE ROWE
The year 2011 has now taken its place in the history books, and if it is in any way indicative of the coming year, we must anticipate change and prepare to adapt to it quickly.
At the international level, this past year witnessed the Arab Spring, which brought dramatic and violent change to the Middle East, while at the same time European governments scrambled to sustain their economic union. On the national scene, we experienced the near annihilation of the federal Liberals and the rise to official opposition of the New Democratic Party before Mr. Layton's untimely passing. Provincially we saw the departure of Mr. Campbell and his replacement by Premier Clark.
Closer to home, the recent local government elections brought a number of new faces to our council and board tables.
The common denominator shared by these events is not only change but the rate of change. The ability to anticipate, to manage and to adapt to this rapid change is the challenge we face as individuals and as local government. This implies that as government we must be open to change and open to questioning the way we do things. We must continually examine our processes and be prepared to adapt to keep pace and to maintain our relevance to our community.
In the words of one of the characters in Dr. Spencer Johnson's book, Who Moved My Cheese, "If you do not change, you can become extinct."
Whatever change may be in store for 2012, I sincerely hope for each and every one that it will be positive, that you will embrace it and that you will enjoy it.
- Submitted by Wayne Rowe
