BC NDP candidate Randene Neill is seeking re-election in Powell River-Sunshine Coast, pointing to housing, jobs and affordability as priorities for the riding.
Neill and her family moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2017 and settled in Pender Harbour in 2020, following a lengthy career as a reporter and news anchor in Vancouver.
First elected as MLA in 2024, Neill served as minister of water, land and resource stewardship. She said she wants to ensure local watersheds remain healthy and resilient.
“My ministry was deeply involved with watershed stewardship and making sure our safe and resilient and plentiful,” Neill said. “I know that’s incredibly important here to people on the coast.”
Neill cited housing projects in Sechelt and Gibsons and work with Domtar to keep the Howe Sound pulp and paper mill operating as accomplishments from the past two years. The mill was slated for indefinite idling in August before an agreement with the provincial government put it on track to resume operations.
“The workers just ratified their contract,” Neill said. “That means 400 direct jobs and about 1,300 indirect jobs. All of those jobs are associated with families, and of course other spinoff businesses.”
Neill said the cost of living is a challenge for many Sunshine Coast residents. If re-elected, she would focus on affordability measures and expanding access to affordable housing.
She also wants to work with local governments, community stakeholders and First Nations to grow the local economy. Neill pointed to redevelopment of the former Powell River mill site as an opportunity to create jobs and revitalize the area.
“There’s so much opportunity there to absolutely transform the area and Powell River into a really vibrant and growing economy full of great jobs where people can raise their families,” Neill said.
Neill said she has unfinished business in the riding, including addressing the cost of living and ensuring infrastructure is maintained and keeps pace with growth.
She would also focus on improving health care by recruiting more professionals to the area.
Neill is running against Conservative candidate John Henderson and BC Green Party candidate Griffin Leonard Lea.
Advance voting in the B.C. provincial election runs until Oct. 21. Final Voting Day is Saturday, Oct. 24.
