All three candidates for the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA seat weighed in on the single transferable vote (STV) electoral system in front of nearly 100 people at an all-candidates' meeting hosted by the Squamish Chamber of Commerce on Monday (May 4).
Liberal candidate Joan McIntyre was the only person to speak out against the system. McIntyre, who is running for re-election, expressed concern that the inflated ridings would lead candidates to cater to voters in larger populations like North Vancouver, while those voters in smaller communities like Squamish would be underrepresented.
"I feel that the problem with this model is not only is there multi members with no one in charge and no one responsible, but that the voice of rural communities would be diminished in this kind of system and I have real concern for the Sea to Sky Corridor in that regard," she said.
Green Party candidate Jim Stephenson, a computer financial systems consultant, argued Squamish residents are better off voting for STV because it achieves greater proportional representation. Since the local riding from North Vancouver to D'Arcy would have four seats, a candidate can afford to cater to the needs of smaller communities and achieve a strong, though smaller, portion of the vote.
Although the New Democratic Party refuses to offer an official viewpoint on STV, candidate Juliana Buitenhuis made it clear the current First Past the Post system is faulty.
"If the NDP is elected and STV does not go through, the NDP will fight for voting reform because we know this first past the poles is not representing our votes. We're one of three countries that still use this archaic form of voting."
Of course, audience members wanted to know what the candidates would do to address certain issues, one of the most popular of which was the creation of local employment and ideas for driving a strong local economy.
Stephenson pointed out that Squamish is making a transition from a forestry-based economy to an eco-adventure economy, which doesn't provide the same level of revenue. While the tourism aspect should be encouraged, we shouldn't lose sight that Squamish provides a very desirable lifestyle for long-term residents.
"When you have a spectacular place to live you can attract people to knowledge industries and you can attract businesses where lifestyle is important for highly skilled workers, and I think that offers potential for Squamish," he said.
"And as we move to the green economy there will be a lot of job opportunities, particularly in this corridor."
McIntyre stressed the importance of local educational facilities like Capilano and Quest universities and supporting small businesses.
Buitenhuis pointed to the NDP plan to raise the minimum wage and give small businesses tax breaks.
For many who turned out, it was the chance to meet the NDP's notably young candidate. Buitenhuis, 28, didn't shy away from the issue, noting that her youthfulness will help her understand the challenges facing a younger demographic. However, McIntyre appeared to grow impatient with her less experienced rival, making interjections as Buitenhuis criticized the Liberals.
Perhaps the greatest competition facing any of the candidates came from Chicago, where the Vancouver Canucks were gearing up for their Tuesday (May 5) playoff win against the Blackhawks. Before asking a question about aboriginal relations, Squamish Nation council member Dale Harry lightened the mood with the question, "What are you going to do to ensure the Canucks win the Stanley cup?"
Residents are encouraged to vote at Brennan Park Recreation Centre from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday (May 12).
