By Helesia Luke

Some of the most pressing issues facing B.C. right now are also the most basic: affordable housing, protecting children and youth, ensuring a well-funded public education system, and keeping our communities safe from violence.

In my career in communications and strategic planning I have worked on a range of public interest issues in our province including poverty, homelessness, human rights, and the environment. As a volunteer advocating for public schools, I know firsthand the struggle of citizens to convince the B.C. Liberals to take seriously the quality of life issues facing our communities.

The B.C. Liberals have ignored many of the most critical issues affecting people in B.C., in particular the growing number of children living in poverty. Deepening levels of poverty are also the reason behind much of the increase in homelessness. A study last year from the Sheldon Chumir Foundation found that poverty has overtaken mental illness and addiction as the leading cause of homelessness. Another group that is losing ground economically each year are many of B.C.’s new immigrants. New immigrants must be able to access the health, language and other settlement services they need to succeed in Canadian society.

Civil society organizations and citizens have repeatedly brought these issues to the attention of the B.C. Liberal government only to be met with indifference. Over the past eight years, typical British Columbians have not had an ally in government and Vancouver-Langara is a good example.

Many people don't realize that Carole Taylor not only left cabinet, but in December resigned from the legislature as well. Then her constituency office shut down. The B.C. Legislative Web site notes the riding is 'vacant' and in place of a photograph of the MLA is a blank grey box. Clearly, B.C. Liberals take this riding for granted. To them it appears to be a place where they think any Liberal can get elected even if they do not show up for work.

This time around, I think voters will respond differently. Many have noticed the absence of representation and are taking a careful look at who really represents their best interests.

I am a proud New Democrat and proud that our leader Carole James is listening to the concerns of B.C. residents. Like Carole, I am hearing on the streets and on doorsteps the need for a government that cares about transit users, about access to family doctors, about years-long wait lists for education testing and support, about poverty, and about the quality of life for seniors.

My vision for Vancouver-Langara includes a street-level community office that welcomes constitutes and an MLA who isn't afraid to champion their issues in Victoria. I and other New Democrats will put people at the centre of our decision-making. We'll make sure government is an ally of all British Columbians. I encourage all voters to take a close look your candidates and think about who you want to have representing your interests.

Born and raised in Vancouver, I live with my husband, Bill Sample, our teenage daughter and adult son. I was honoured to be a recipient of the Queen's Jubilee medal for community service.

Helesia Luke is the NDP candidate for Vancouver-Langara.