Former Squamish mayor turned Liberal Party of Canada candidate Ian Sutherland says he's prepared to run for the local riding's federal seat "whenever that may be."?
Sutherland was in Powell River last week to meet with members of the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding association, and old the gathering he would seek the nomination in the next federal election
Sutherland said he felt he had a late start for the previous election in October 2008.
"I plan to continue to meet with people in the riding, hearing their concerns and sharing ideas."?
Members of the riding association held a debriefing about the past election, and discussed the Liberal convention coming up in May that will be held in Vancouver.
Riding president Ken Halliday told members that candidate selection meetings will be held after the Vancouver convention where interim leader Michael Ignatieff is expected to be confirmed by delegates. "We're happy to hear that Ian is willing to let his name stand again as our party's candidate in this riding."?
In discussions about the January 27 federal budget, Sutherland, the former mayor of Squamish, said he knew that cities and municipalities would have difficulty with the matching funds required for infrastructure projects in the recent federal budget. He said he agrees with City of Powell River Mayor Stewart Alsgard that the gas tax rebate program was a better method to move money to the communities. "Based on my experience, there is not the money available at the local government level," Sutherland said.?
Sutherland is holding a town hall meeting on the lower Sunshine Coast and plans to have one in Powell River in the next couple months.?
