Ben Stewart
Westside-Kelowna

Minister of Community and Rural Development

Sustainability is at the heart of the issues we must address, not only in the riding of Westside-Kelowna, but throughout the Okanagan and across British Columbia.

As citizens, we need to recognize what attracted us or has kept us in this region and this province. It is a quality of life that is defined by: air and water quality, affordability, the environment, the promise of opportunity and education for our families, safety, the reassurance of quality health care as we age and economic opportunities.

None are issues that stand on their own, nor are they specific to our new riding. They cross bridges and boundaries, extend throughout the Okanagan and permeate the policies and politics of the entire province. Addressing them will require the co-operation of local governments, agencies, the Province and the Federal Government.

My roots go back a long time here. I’ve had the benefit of growing up in the Okanagan, of raising a family here, building a successful business and contributing to this area’s development in a number of ways.

I’m pleased to be able to represent the BC Liberal Party in this riding and be part of a team, led by Premier Gordon Campbell that will address these issues and help British Columbia realize the opportunities and answer the challenges that are before us.