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CANADA VOTES: NDP can be voice for change, says Judith Wilson

New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Judith Wilson says it's time for a change. Time to elect a candidate who will stand up in Ottawa and fight for common values. The lawyer and "soccer Mom" thinks she's the candidate for the job.

New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Judith Wilson says it's time for a change. Time to elect a candidate who will stand up in Ottawa and fight for common values.

The lawyer and "soccer Mom" thinks she's the candidate for the job.

The riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country is the largest riding in Canada. With Conservative MP John Reynolds retiring, it opens the door for an interesting battle come election night Jan. 23.

In the last federal election, the NDP made a few inroads in Powell River and on the Sunshine Coast. Some people feel the race is strictly between Liberal candidate Blair Wilson and Conservative candidate John Weston, but Judith Wilson begs to differ.

"There is no doubt in my mind that this is a three-horse race," Wilson said. "A shift in a few thousand votes will make the difference."

Wilson grew up and was schooled in North Vancouver. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of British Columbia earning a degree in political science, specializing in international relations. She got involved in politics in late 70s and became an organizer living in the West End, becoming active with social issues.

"I worked in community services and really enjoyed my time fighting for people's rights," she said. "I soon realized it was time to find a real job. Don't get me wrong, that's not to say working in community services is not a real job. I just felt with my personal finances I needed a change in direction."

That change in direction turned to law school and starting a family.

"When I had my son, I was fortunate to have a spouse who was caring, understanding and was able to carry the load at home, while I went to law school," Wilson said. "After law school, I set up practice in family law on the Sunshine Coast."

For a short time, Wilson also lived in New Brunswick and was active with the NDP party there. But she never forgot about her roots in B.C.

While building her practice and raising her son, Wilson admits she stepped back a bit from politics. She feels now is the time to serve her community.

"When I finished law school, I realized you could only do so much, so I stepped back a bit politically to concentrate on other things like building a practice in family law and starting my own firm," she added. "My political beliefs didn't change, but I wanted to make sure I had the time to give back to my community. My husband passed away about a year ago. My life changed and I had to be there for my 14-year-old son. I'm your typical soccer mom. My life up until now has been behind the scenes and speaking up on issues, but not so much on the front lines.

"Now, I feel, is the time to step out and say, okay, it's now my turn to give back in a public way to this community and to this country really, that had provided me with some pretty unbelievable opportunities."

Wilson sought the nomination for the NDP in the last provincial election, only to lose out Nicholas Simons, who is now the MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast.

Wilson feels that Simons' success will be of benefit to her during this campaign.

As for issues, Wilson says her platform is diverse as this riding.

"What you see with the NDP both provincially and nationally is a move to become the party that represents the things that are really key to our existence as a nation and as a province too," she said. "Fundamentally, when you talk about the issues with people, it's health care, pensions. It's what is going to happen to us. People want to know who we are. People are shaken by this current government and its policies.

"We are in a time in this riding where the 'art of the possible' is to get an NDP MP who will hold the Liberals and Conservatives feet to the fire. We have to be results oriented and I feel the NDP will work hard on the critical fundamental issues.

This riding is diverse and large with many different people and ideals. You have to be real. Servicing this riding is going to be tough for any candidate. My advice to the voters is don't go away and be defeated by the process. If you don't go and vote and take a stand you're not doing your part in the process."

Things like health care, the environment and public safety are keys for Wilson.

"People are upset by all the scandal and corruption. Things that undermine the democratic process or certainly undermine people's confidence in it," said Wilson. "That brings me right back around. You can only do what you can do. You have one vote. You have to look at all the issues, the platforms of each party, vote with your heart and who more closely represents your values and where you see this country going."

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