After six years as a municipal councillor for North Cowichan, Rob Douglas believes he can do more for the community as an MLA.
“My focus for the last six years has been on the municipality and the issues facing them,” said Douglas, who is challenging Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau for the right to represent the Cowichan Valley riding. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished at North Cowichan, but I saw that the challenges they are facing, they can’t address on their own. North Cowichan doesn’t have the resources; these things require action at higher levels.”
There have been announcements in recent years of a new hospital and new high school for the Cowichan Valley under the leadership of his party, the NDP, but Douglas said he wants to see more investment in affordable housing as well.
“There is a real lack of affordable housing and a growing homelessness crisis connected to mental health and addiction,” he said. “We’ve made real progress, but there’s a lot left to do, and I’d like to be part of that team.”
Other issues in the Cowichan Valley that Douglas wants to help the provincial government address include climate change, as evidenced droughts on the Cowichan River, and meaningful reconciliation. He also feels the province needs a strong and stable government to take on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born and raised in the Cowichan Valley, Douglas believes he can provide a meaningful voice for the area in the Legislature.
“For years, people in our community have shared their concerns with me about the lack of affordable housing, the need for better health care services, and our collective responsibility to tackle climate change,” he said. “These issues are the result of bad choices by the BC Liberals, and now we have a BC NDP government that is working for people. I look forward to joining John Horgan’s team in this work and giving the Cowichan Valley a strong voice in the Legislature.”
This is Douglas’s first time running for provincial office. He was elected as a North Cowichan councillor in 2014 and 2018, and has also represented the municipality on the CVRD board of directors.
“I have an understanding of the broader issues in the Cowichan Valley as well,” he said.