Gary Holman
| Website: | http://www.garyholman.bcndp.ca |
| Party: | NDP |
| Riding: | Saanich North and the Islands |
Candidate Profile
GARY HOLMAN worked as a consulting economist for over 25 years, specializing in resource and land use issues. He consulted with the Nisga’a Tribal Council on the fisheries component of its land claim, and on a number of regional land use planning processes for the Province, including Clayoquot Sound and the CORE process for Vancouver Island.
Gary was elected as Salt Spring’s CRD Director in 2002. During Gary’s two terms, the CRD helped secure funding for upgrades to a number of water and sewage treatment systems, renovation of Lady Minto hospital, as well as a new indoor pool. The CRD also played a key role in the construction of the Greenwoods assisted living facility and other affordable housing projects, such as the Murakami Gardens project. Gary established the Salt Spring Island Water Council in 2002, an inter-agency organization dedicated to the protection of the island’s precious water supplies. Gary also spearheaded Salt Spring’s first public transit system.
Questions
- Please identify what you believe to be the most important issue in your riding and your plan to address that issue.
In Saanich North & the Islands the most important issue is preserving and maintaining the unique rural/agricultural and urban mix for the benefit of all. Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Lady Minto Hospital need stable public funding and a commitment to retain full staffing. Infrastructure must be planned with the inclusion of all means of public transportation, pathways and walkways. Urban containment and a strong Lands Commission is a necessity to preserve agricultural land. Public assets such as Dunsmuir Lodge, our schools, must remain public and publicly funded. The economic drivers of tourism and high tech industry will benefit from a public BC Ferries as part of our marine highway. At the heart of planning together for a better future is the need for honesty, accountability and openness in governing structures and better Provincial representation. Saanich North & the Islands can be a place where everyone matters.