Local MLA plans to seek re-election, continue work for constituents in 2024

Jan 3, 2024 | 6:00 AM

The MLA for Vernon-Monashee plans to seek a second term in office in the new provincial riding.

Speaking with Vernon Matters, Harwinder Sandhu reaffirmed her committment to seek the seat for Vernon-Lumby in the upcoming provincial election.

“I would be thrilled and I hope people will recognize my [first term] work that has pretty much been seven days a week,” Sandhu said. “I have served with my full integrity, passion and dedication.”

Though Sandhu said she would run again, the B.C. NDP had not officially nominated her as the candidate as of time of publication. The provincial election is scheduled for October 2024.

In addition to seeking re-election, Sandhu said 2024 would see her continue the work as parliamentary secretary for seniors and long term care.

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“It’s reassuring, not only as MLA or parliamentary secretary but as a voter, as a mother, as a citizen. It’s been pretty amazing to see how everyday when we do the work, from the premier, to my caucus colleagues that our focus is, and the only focus is, people and the services they rely on,” the MLA said.

“I’m very humbled to have this portfolio and, as I said, great work is being done and there’s more to do.”

Another goal for the upcoming year is to remain accessible to local constituents both at her Vernon office, but also by using a pop-up tent at events throughout the community when possible.

“Of course my office is always there Monday to Friday, but we go out there where ever there’s community events. The goal is to be accessible but also to have these conversations which are not only structured where you only have 15 minutes, you only have 10 minutes or 30, but I just want people to come and talk to me, regardless of their political stripes,” Sandhu said.

“I’m everybody’s MLA and I am here to listen from all perspectives. I am the kind of person who is open to, if somebody said “I don’t agree with this,’ I want to have that conversation more in depth to understand their perspective as well and I think that’s what helps any representative to do better in their role.”

Sandhu added advocacy would remain a priority for her in the year ahead, pointing to work to bolster local health care, mental health support, and housing investments made the year prior.

“I’m very hopeful and very excited that there will be more good news and good investments coming our way so people can have all the services and housing and all the things they need and deserve,” Sandhu told Vernon Matters.

The local MLA added her party would continue to look at what sectors need investments in the coming year in order to meet the needs of people not only in her riding but in the entire province, including affordable housing, health care, mental health and addictions supports, climate action, and agriculture and food security.

Looking ahead to 2024, Sandhu was also optimistic about the state of the provincial economy.

“I’m happy to share with people that B.C.’s economy, as of the last forecast, [was] performing better than expected,” she said.

“Real GDP forecast is to grow 1.2 per cent in 2023. We have the lowest debt to GDP ratio as well across the board. So I think it’s a clear example that investing in people, it does bring us bigger returns and, most importantly, better societal outcomes.”

by Liam Verster

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