MIKE HARRIS
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Political party: How long have you been a member?
Conservative Party of British Columbia member for 5 years
Do you live in the riding, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to the riding?
Yes, I live in the Happy Valley area with my wife for the last 4 years
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I have been a businessman and entrepreneur for over 40 years.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community and why?
The biggest issue facing British Columbians stems from irresponsible policies across multiple fronts, leading to a ripple effect. The erosion of parental rights, escalating crime rates, unsafe streets, and the skyrocketing cost of living have all made life increasingly challenging. Poor governance has worsened these problems, making everyday life difficult for families and individuals alike. John Rustad and the Conservative Party of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ are committed to introducing solutions that can restore stability, alleviate financial pressures, and bring back safety and order to the province.
What actions or efforts have you taken to learn the concerns of your constituents?
Over the last two years, I’ve been actively involved in understanding the concerns of my community. Through business networking, door-knocking, hosting meet-and-greet sessions, and making phone calls, I’ve had meaningful conversations with a wide range of people. This has allowed me to hear firsthand the struggles British Columbians face and better understand the political and social issues affecting their daily lives. My goal has always been to engage with as many voices as possible to ensure that I advocate effectively for their needs.
What do you want to see improved in British Columbia in four, eight and 20 years?
In four years, I want to see significant financial relief for British Columbians, starting with the removal of the carbon tax to lower the cost of essentials like food, fuel, and home heating. Over the next eight years, I hope to assist in overhauling the healthcare system while boosting industries that support our economy and reduce global emissions. In 20 years, I envision British Columbia leading the nation in economic growth, tapping into its vast resources to enhance social programs while maintaining environmental stewardship. BC is rich in potential, and it’s time to maximize that.
How would you go about addressing contentious issues within your riding?
Addressing contentious issues begins with understanding that people have diverse lifestyles, opinions, and values. While it’s impossible to satisfy everyone, it’s essential to listen to all perspectives with respect and an open mind. By fostering a culture of dialogue and recognizing differences, we can work toward solutions that reflect the collective needs of the community, even when compromise is necessary. Respecting the views of others, even in disagreement, is key to creating inclusive and balanced policies.
Would you vote against your party and leader if it were best for your constituents?
Absolutely. John Rustad, leader of the BC Conservatives, supports free votes in the Legislative Assembly, meaning representatives can vote based on the best interests of their constituents rather than party lines. This approach is something I fully endorse. It allows me to prioritize the unique needs of the people in my riding, particularly those in rural areas where challenges can be quite different from urban communities. Ultimately, serving the people comes first, even if it means diverging from party policy.
Why do you think you are qualified to do this job?
My qualifications come from over 40 years of experience in business management and entrepreneurship. I’ve owned and operated businesses, navigating complex challenges and learning how to lead effectively. This has given me a deep understanding of what it takes to manage resources, deal with adversity, and create solutions that work for people. My years of community engagement also ensure I’m closely aligned with the needs and concerns of British Columbians.
Why are you running – what’s your motivation?
I am running for the people who are feeling the weight of the unaffordability crisis in British Columbia. Families are struggling to afford food, fuel, and energy, with prices rising beyond what many can manage. In a province as resource-rich as BC, we should have the highest standard of living in the country, yet too many are barely making ends meet. My motivation is to address this disconnect and push for policies that provide financial relief, restore affordability, and ensure that BC becomes a place where everyone can prosper and enjoy a higher quality of life.
ABOUT LANGFORD-HIGHLANDS
Langford-Highlands is a new riding for the 2024 election. It encompasses much of the former Langford-Juan de Fuca riding, though the Juan de Fuca portion is now part of Juan de Fuca-Malahat.
Langford-Juan de Fuca was the riding of former NDP premier John Horgan, who captured almost 68 per cent of the vote in 2020. New Democrat Ravi Parmar’s win in a 2023 byelection wasn’t quite so large, but he still took 53 per cent of the vote.
THE CANDIDATES IN LANGFORD-HIGHLANDS
The candidates this election are:
- Green candidate Erin Cassels, who works in hospitality management
- Conservative Mike Harris, a carpenter and small business owner
- New Democrat Ravi Parmar, an MLA and former school board trustee
See the full list of Vancouver Island candidates here. We are posting the candidate questionnaires riding by riding.
ABOUT THE PROFILES
We asked readers what they wanted to ask candidates and used those answers to help shape our election coverage, including candidate questionnaires.
The answers are presented as submitted by the candidates, edited only for length if they exceeded the word limit they were given. We did not correct grammar, spelling or typos.
See an error or something that needs to be changed? You can report it to [email protected] or use the report a typo link below.
