MLA Linda Larson.
MLA Linda Larson was acclaimed last week as the B.C. Liberal candidate for the May 2017 provincial election in the riding of Boundary-Similkameen.
Larson said she made the decision to run again with support from her government colleagues, her family, friends, constituents and office staff.
“I believe in a free enterprise system and the economic policies that have kept B.C. in a better financial position than any other province in Canada,” Larson said Monday when asked why she decided to seek another term.
“I am proud of our accomplishments and I am honoured to be part of a talented team that has delivered the top-performing economy in Canada,” Larson said in a news release Friday. “I will continue to fight for all interests in the Boundary-Similkameen.”
Asked about her goals for a second term, Larson pointed out that there are 18 communities in Boundary-Similkameen, each with their own issues and interests.
“For Osoyoos, ‘top of mind’ today is the future of Osoyoos Secondary School,” Larson said. “This will continue to be one of my priorities as we look at stabilizing the funding going forward and begin the process of developing a comprehensive Rural Education Strategy.”
Larson was named earlier this month as the new Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Education.
She is also Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility under the Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation and she is a member of the cabinet committee on Secure Tomorrow.
Larson is also a member of the standing committees on health and legislative initiatives.
Larson said she would continue to support the Resort Municipality designation for Osoyoos, which enhances tourism infrastructure and the local visitor experience.
“The Osoyoos Desert Centre is desperately in need of a new building,” said Larson. “I have been working with the board to get building plans on the table and plan ahead for capital money for the project.”
The Osoyoos Museum Society will also need capital support as they move forward with the new site in coming years, she said.
“Agri/tourism will continue to be a strong economic driver in this region and I will continue to support all who work in these areas in creating family sustainable jobs,” Larson added.
She also took aim at the NDP opposition, which has not yet announced a candidate for Boundary-Similkameen.
“Across the country, the NDP are dwindling and we can see why,” Larson said. “The NDP continue to say no to jobs, no to progress and no to supporting the core industries that fuel innovation and opportunity throughout the Boundary-Similkameen and this province.”
Larson sat on Oliver town council prior to being elected as MLA in 2013. She was mayor from 1997 to 2005.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
