With the Christmas tree put away for another year, part two of the federal election campaign is in full swing.
Party leaders and candidates are circling the country in a frantic three-week push to get your vote on Jan. 23.
Here in the riding of West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country, it's no different.
Starting this week, Coast Reporter, along with our sister papers in Squamish, Whistler and Powell River, presents in-depth interviews with all the candidates. Coast Reporter starts this week with Conservative candidate John Weston and Liberal candidate Blair Wilson. We'll continue the series next week.
Next week also marks the first of two critical all-candidates' meetings on the Coast. The first is Tuesday night in Sechelt with a second meeting Thursday night in Gibsons. These meetings will give you, the voting public, a chance to hear the candidates talk about the issues. Come armed with questions and pin the candidates down.
This election is critical to shape the foundation of this country, this province and this riding for the next few years. It's imperative that everyone is involved and makes an informed decision on Jan. 23.
We received an email this week from a reader who said he had no idea who the candidates were and no information about the election. We hope you'll take the time to read our stories this week and attend the upcoming meetings.
Are you prepared?
Last weekend's fierce weather storm on the Coast should be a wake-up call for all of us.
Hydro crews and emergency personnel were kept hopping responding to fallen trees and downed hydro lines. Thousands of people were left without power for days. We heard from one person who questioned whether people had essential items on hand such as candles, perishable food, flashlights and batteries - simple things that some take for granted, but when the lights go out you have to be prepared. Take some time to check your supplies so when the next storm hits, you're ready to survive.
