Editor:
The recent Sunshine Coast fixed link discussions held in both Powell River and Sechelt, among government and business leaders, was party to a missing link. Although a Liberal MLA was present at both meetings, Powell River Sunshine Coast New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons was not invited to attend either.
According to the article written in the June 17 Coast Reporter by Christine Wood, Jordan Sturdy has been tasked with gauging community interest in an alternate link to the Lower Mainland. The article mentioned this closed-door meeting would be made up of elected officials from the Sunshine Coast: Sechelt (shíshálh) Nation, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, School District No. 46, the Town of Gibsons, the District of Sechelt and the Chamber of Commerce. Who decided to exclude the MLA for the Sunshine Coast, Mr. Sturdy or the consultants?
Nicholas Simons serves as Opposition spokesperson for Coastal Economic Development, Arts and Culture, and Community Living BC. To avoid partisan politics, he should have been included.
It seems a bit strange that the person who has been elected for three terms in office to represent the constituents of this riding was not invited to these meetings, although I understand he invited himself and attended one.
Residents of the Sunshine Coast rely on Ferries as their primary connection to the mainland. This has many drawbacks; however, a new highway also brings challenges and concerns.
If the provincial government is serious about gauging community interest in an alternate link, it has to engage all of the stakeholders in these meetings and/or studies.
Allan Reid, Langdale
