MLA and cabinet minister Michelle Stilwell has been acclaimed by local B.C. Liberals as the party’s candidate in Parksville-Qualicum for the May, 2017 provincial election.
First elected in 2013, Stilwell served as Government Caucus Chair and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors and Healthy Living until 2015 when she was named Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation.
“Parksville-Qualicum is a beautiful and vibrant part of the province to call home,” said Stilwell. “My family and I have lived in this community since 2001, and for the past three and a half years I have been enormously honoured to represent my constituents in the Legislature. I am thrilled to be the candidate again for the 2017 election and I’m ready to work hard with my team to earn the continued support of the people of Parksville-Qualicum.”
No other party has elected a candidate yet. Parksville city Coun. Sue Powell has announced her intention to seek the nomination of the local NDP membership. In 2013 Stilwell won the election with 50 per cent of the vote. The NDP’s Barry Avis, now a town councillor in Qualicum Beach, was second with 37 per cent.
A B.C. Liberal Party news release said Stilwell’s “strong voice in government and passion for her constituency has brought palliative care beds, more affordable housing, funding for the Parksville Water project, the Qualicum Beach Memorial Project, and increased accessibility at the beach, to name a few.”
Stilwell graduated from the University of Calgary in 1999 with a science degree. Prior to entering provincial politics, the B.C. Liberal Party said she was a motivational speaker and community advocate for persons with disabilities and children with special needs.
Stilwell has continued her athletic pursuits while being an MLA and in September won two more gold medals at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio for a total of six. She is the only Canadian female athlete to be a Paralympic champion in two separate summer sports (basketball and athletics).
“We have a clear vision for the future of British Columbia under the leadership of Premier Christy Clark,” said Stilwell. “Great progress has been made to put British Columbians first and my hope is that the people of Parksville-Qualicum will give us the opportunity to continue creating the best possible province for our children and grandchildren.”
Stilwell’s nomination comes just three days after Premier Christy Clark announced the party will develop an Island-specific platform which will be headed by Comox Valley MLA Don McRae.
The general provincial election will take place on May 9, 2017.
— NEWS Staff
