Stepping into her new role as MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, and being appointed as a cabinet minister in the new provincial government, Randene Neill has faced a torrent of information.
Having been elected to represent the riding in the October 19, 2024, provincial election, Neill recently completed her first legislative session in the NDP government.
“There were so many new MLAs this year, so for the first time ever, there was an MLA school for us so we could actually go and sit in the legislature and learn parliamentary practice,” said Neill. “We did some mock legislation, bills, votes, that kind of thing. They made me the minister of ice cream and I had to defend why I was banning vanilla ice cream from the province.
“We had a confidence vote and we lost the confidence of government, all because I tried to ban vanilla ice cream. So, it was a good lesson for me and a good learning experience.”
In addition to the mock legislative session, Neill said she has been assisted by seasoned MLAs.
“We had a buddy system where we were teamed up with a senior MLA, so we could go and ask them stupid questions, get answers and understand the process,” said Neill. “That was also very helpful.”
In addition to her new role as an MLA, Neill was appointed to cabinet by premier David Eby, as minister of water, land and resource stewardship.
“I was absolutely thrilled,” said Neill. “I really thought there was no way I would get a cabinet post.”
Of all the ministries to be appointed to, however, Neill said water, land and resource stewardship was the one she felt closest to because of all the issues people face in her constituency.
She said, however, that on top of her responsibilities as an MLA, it was explained to her that she would now have three full-time jobs – one as an MLA, one as a cabinet minister and then another full-time job as a member of provincial cabinet, where she, along with the premier and other ministers, sit around the cabinet table and discuss important issues and legislation.
“It’s overwhelming,” said Neill. “A lot of hours have been put into this job.”
Such responsibility takes a toll on family life, and Neill said she and her husband talked about it for a long time before she decided to run.
“He is incredibly supportive,” said Neill. “He understood that this is something I really wanted to try and he has been amazing, being very selfless and taking care of everyone at home. So, it has been great.”
In terms of the first legislative session, Neill said one bill that stands out is Bill 13, which she termed as a miscellaneous bill. She said that part of the legislation was to give more teeth when combatting invasive species in the province, specifically, invasive mussels coming into the province from the United States and other provinces.
“That was a proud moment that we were able to pass that to give us more powers to try to prevent those invasive species coming into BC,” said Neill. “So, that was a highlight for me, but every day feels like a highlight.”
Neill, who was on her way to a caucus retreat when interviewed, said she, that day, had spoken at the Indigenous guardians conference, and attended a meeting of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, where she also spoke and answered questions.
“I’ve been able to do so many amazing things and talk to so many amazing people that I never would have had the chance to speak with otherwise,” said Neill.
Despite her responsibilities as a cabinet minister, Neill said her first priority is the constituency, taking care of every single person who needs help, and doing everything possible to help them.
“You need a strong team around you,” said Neill. “We’ve had some good wins in terms of helping people with issues that they face.”
In terms of issues in her constituency, Neill said she has been working on road improvements on the lower coast. She added that BC Ferries is still a huge issue that is being tackled.
“We’re trying to do our best to improve service to the people of the Sunshine Coast,” said Neill. “I know that has been a huge issue for a long time, and local governments and mayors are helping me with that one. We are working to make that service more reliable for folks who need to use the ferry, whether for medical reasons or any other reason.”
Another important issue for Neill is supporting local businesses, helping them succeed in tough times, especially now, when some have been affected by tariffs and are trying to figure out how to survive. Water is another important issue for Neill.
“There’s lots of issues we’re working on, and we’re going to keep working on them,” said Neill.
As for the issue of docks and the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan, both on the lower Sunshine Coast and in areas around qathet Regional District, Neill said docks on the ocean have been resolved, so that people who have existing docks and boathouses can keep them, and they will be issued 20-year renewable leases. They will have to make upgrades to them, such as removing or properly sealing Styrofoam, which can be an ocean pollutant.
She said work is being done with freshwater dock owners in places such as Lois Lake, Sakinaw Lake and Ruby Lake, to make sure they can keep their docks as well.
“Those are negotiations that are being worked out with the dock owners on fresh water and we’ll come to a similar conclusion with them as well,” said Neill. “The government realizes we need to bring everybody to the table. So, the dock owners, the nation, conservation groups, commercial docks, everybody needs to come to the table and have these discussions and find solutions together.
“If people don’t feel represented, they are not going to feel like they have had a say. That’s not how we want to do things. We want to make sure people who want to have a say and want their voices represented are being represented.”
Neill said she wants constituents to know that the MLA’s office is a nonpartisan office and that it is there to help everybody.
“We’re here to be your voice in Victoria,” said Neill. “I take that very seriously.”
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