Heidi VanLith
Special to The Chief
Faced with representing the largest riding in Canada, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country Liberal MP Blair Wilson has announced a plan to set up "digital constituency offices" beginning with a pilot project in Squamish.
Wilson, who pledged to open constituency offices throughout the far-flung riding during the federal election campaign, is now facing the fiscal realities - he is allocated nearly the same dollars as other MPs in smaller ridings and this riding is, by population, the largest in Canada.
In order to work within his financial constraints, Wilson plans to open an office at 545 Clyde Ave. in West Vancouver while offering kiosk-style computer stations in highly frequented public areas in Squamish, Whistler, Sechelt, and Powell River."Because of the needs of this riding and it being a large geographically disbursed area, I realize that I can't serve the entire area out of one office in West Vancouver," explained Wilson, adding that he has hired three, full-time staff of which two are dedicated to his accessibility plans. "We're trying to find an ideal location in each community to house a computer with video conferencing capabilities, so that if someone wants to speak with me directly they can."
Wilson's plan for digital communications means supplying computers with all required technology to each host venue, training staff at each location to aid individuals wanting access to the service, and developing scheduled times for when he will be online and available in each community.
In Squamish, Wilson has suggested the Squamish Public Library and the Squamish Adventure Centre as potential locations for his kiosk but says that as of yet no definite location or launch date has been discussed.
"This option saves on heat, hydro, desks, office overhead, and staff. It's much more economical," said Wilson. "I think we should try to use technology to facilitate better communication."
Town hall meetings and municipal forums are other ideas on his agenda, ideas that he admits were not entirely his own but suggestions brought forth by constituents during campaigning.
"It's one thing to be accessible over the internet but I'd also like to be available to the people, to listen to the people in the riding, and to allow the people to come out and voice their problems in person."
Another government initiative that Wilson is working to move into Squamish is the establishment of a new search and rescue training facility.
"I've been arguing that Squamish is a great place to have the training centre and that we could then use those trained individuals as additional security during 2010," said Wilson, adding that he believes that it's vital to use the time leading up to the Olympics wisely and start "initiating initiatives now".
Wilson expressed shock and disappointment at the news of Canada's newly appointed minister of international trade David Emerson's recent switch from the Liberals to the Conservatives earlier this week.
"I was completely shocked. It was like being punched in the stomach," said Wilson. "Three days before the election he was in my office helping me campaign.
"I'm completely disappointed with the loss of a team member that I worked well with, but I respect his individual right to make the decision - it's just not a decision I would make."
