ROSS REID
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Political party: How long have you been a member?
Green Party of BC, new member
Do you live in the riding, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to the riding?
I’ve lived full-time in the riding for just over four years now, and plan on staying for decades to come.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I am a visual storyteller who has worked independently in the outdoor sports world for over a decade, and currently operate as an outdoor educator (@NerdyAboutNature) as well as managing communications for a watershed restoration organization based in Ucluelet (@ReddFishRestoration).
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community and why?
Our coastal communities have seen unprecedented growth in the past four years, and currently struggle with an ongoing housing crisis, environmentally & culturally ethical development, and sustainable tourism. The tourism and real-estate boom embraced by those in the community who are fortunate enough to ‘have’ has led to the profiteering off of those who ‘have-not’, resulting in dissolution of community and social services, as well as an influx of reckless development proposals which inflict more harm and create more social inequality. Through equitable redistribution of resources and programs to help those in need, we can do better for us all.
What actions or efforts have you taken to learn the concerns of your constituents?
I’ve been engaged on multiple levels with fellow citizens to have conversations about issues that affect us all, always willing to make time for difficult, nuanced, sensitive and yet highly important chats. I believe that inclusion is pivotal in a functioning democracy, and thus its important to consider the concerns of every one of our neighbours, whether or not we share the same perspectives on every matter or vote for the same political party. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together so we need to work together for a future that works for us all.
What do you want to see improved in British Columbia in four, eight and 20 years?
I hope that in the coming years we are able to build ecologically sustainable industries that generate economic prosperity to our communities without destroying the lands and waters we all rely on for culture, recreation and a host of other values. In doing so, while simultaneously addressing the severe wealth inequality we face throughout the country, we can create happy, healthy, functioning communities in which we can all thrive while providing opportunities and stable environmental conditions all whom follow us, because true inclusivity includes considerations for those who can’t speak, or who are yet to have a voice.
How would you go about addressing contentious issues within your riding?
The best way to deal with contentious issues, as with any complicated matter, is through long-form, nuanced and inclusive dialogue in which all shareholders are adequately represented and heard, with input from professionals, scientists, researchers and specialists on the matter to reach solutions that work for us all. Too often complicated issues in our society are reduced to talking points and divisive rhetoric, and I hope to encourage a new generation of critical thinkers and compassionate conversationalists to reach truly constructive results for us all.
Would you vote against your party and leader if it were best for your constituents?
Of course! One of the best things about the Green Party is that while we align on many issues, we also embrace individuality and recognize that uniform, blind agreement to larger political goals dictated by a very few with wealth and power as a means of maintaining ‘party discipline’ is not representative of the true complex nature of human beings. We must be able and willing to engage in conversation that isn’t always easy, even when we disagree on matters, in order to reach solutions that consider all perspectives.
Why do you think you are qualified to do this job?
I believe what makes me a great candidate for this role is simply because I am not an experienced politician, but a regular person with passions, hobbies and strong convictions that have been tried, tested and made true through a lifetime of difference experiences in working with a wide variety of people in a wide variety of settings. I have strong ethical and moral boundaries that I will not cross, and hope to inspire a new generation of leaders motivated by whats best for their communities and the people who live within them, not their pocketbooks.
Why are you running – what’s your motivation?
My motivation to run comes primarily from not being heard or listened to as a constituent on issues such as housing, reconciliation, drug abuse, environmental and climate concerns, in addition to general social inequity and wealth inequality that is the root cause of all these issues. We cannot continue seeking endless growth on a finite planet, and need to refocus our efforts on maximizing health and happiness, not profits. We cannot rely on the same broken colonial capitalist systems that created this mess to also create the solutions. We need to do better, and we need to do it differently.
ABOUT MID ISLAND-PACIFIC RIM
The NDP has captured about 50 per cent of the vote in Mid Island-Pacific Rim over the past five elections, with former Tofino mayor Josie Osborne getting about 58 per cent in 2020.
She’s running again and faces Conservative Adam Hayduk, former assistant coach of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and Green candidate Ross Reid, host of the multi-media project Nerdy About Nature.
THE CANDIDATES IN MID ISLAND-PACIFIC RIM
The candidates this election are:
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.
