By Haida Lane

Hello Vancouver-Hastings, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Haida Lane, B.C. Liberal party candidate for Vancouver-Hastings, long-time resident of this riding, and your neighbour.

Community service has long been my passion. My most recent volunteer experience has been focused on community boards in my neighbourhood of Vancouver-Hastings. I am currently first Vice President of the Hastings Community Centre Association, chair of the Hastings Sunrise CityPlan Vision Implementation Steering Committee, and a volunteer for my daughter’s Brownie troop. I keep pretty busy!

I strongly believe that change happens at the community level. As an advocate and resident of this community, I have a deep understanding of the issues and concerns of my neighbors (as I too share these concerns!).

The global economic crisis is on everyone’s minds. The B.C. Liberals have a proven record in keeping the economy strong and have halved government’s operating debt since 2001. We have also put more money back into the pockets of British Columbians by reducing income taxes for small businesses and families. And we’re going to reduce taxes further as we go forward, which will lower costs on our economy and create jobs.

Throughout this campaign I have also heard concerns from my neighbours about public safety. A sense of community can only occur when citizens feel safe and I am proud to be a member of a party that makes public safety a priority.

The B.C. Liberals have passed funding for additional police officers and more prosecutors, initiatives that the current MLA in this riding has voted against. We are also working with the federal government to create tougher legislation so that criminals spend more time in jail.

One of the biggest draws for families choosing to live in the Vancouver-Hastings area is the many parks and green space in our neighbourhood. Areas like the Hastings Park Conservancy, Garden Park, Clinton Park, Sunrise Park, and—my personal favourite—New Brighton Park.

Protecting our environment is key to keeping these beautiful areas green and clean and environmental initiatives that the B.C. Liberals have introduced, like the Climate Action Plan, will ensure that they stay that way going forward.

It’s important to elect representatives who understand the issues of concern in their communities and remain active in ensuring that they are addressed at a provincial level. It’s also important to have representatives who are hands-on.

During this campaign my neighbours have probably seen me out door knocking, putting up signs, or answering calls personally at my campaign office. I would love the opportunity to represent Vancouver-Hastings and bring forth the issues of my community at a provincial level.

The promise that I am making to my community is that if elected, I will represent this community in the same manner in which I have conducted my campaign, by being visible and accessible to my neighbours, and hands on in addressing your concerns.

Don’t forget on May 12 that it’s our future. Please remember to vote!

Haida Lane is the B.C. Liberal party candidate for Vancouver-Hastings.