Candidate Selected for Oak Bay – Gordon Head
Over 100 New Democrats gathered at the Windsor Park Pavilion on September 1st to acclaim Jessica Van Der Veen as the NDP candidate for Oak Bay Gordon Head. Amongst those in attendance was Adrian Dix the leader of the party; Victoria MLA, Rob Fleming; Saanich South MLA, Lana Popham; former New Democrat MLA for OBGH, Elizabeth Cull; former School Board Trustee, Charley Beresford.
The evening began with a tribute to Jack Layton. Jamie Dopp led us in a heartfelt version of “The Mary Ellen Carter” and many sang along. This created a very special atmosphere for the whole meeting.
Marnie Hamagami nominated Jessica. She explained to the folks in attendance why Jessica would be the candidate to defeat Ida Chong in the next election in OBGH. “Jessica’s core values center around community and fostering a strong sense of community is key to ensuring the social and environmental fabric of our community is not only sustained, but improved. Jessica understands that in a fundamental way. She is the kind of person in whom I trust not only my future, but the future of my children.”
Jessica thanked Marnie and those in attendance for acclaiming her as the candidate for OBGH. In her speech she declared, “The key word for me is ‘stewardship’ and to be more specific: protecting, restoring and building rather than tearing down and destroying. We are not done building this province. Not even half done! An economy is only as strong as the society it is rooted in. A society is only as stable as we make it. Healthcare, education, and strong stewardship – these are the true foundations of British Columbia.”
OBGH President Keith Todd said “This day has been long in coming. The day after the narrow defeat in 2009, we got up, dusted ourselves off and got back to the business at hand; electing a New Democrat to the legislature from Oak Bay Gordon Head.”
Delegates took the time to recognize Mike Hayes for the countless hours and hard work he has done for the riding. Mike then did what he always does, fundraised, guitar in hand, in that enjoyable, lighthearted way which characterizes so many of his contributions to our community.
Adrian spoke of what a British Columbia would look like with a New Democrat Government in place and delighted the crowd with his humor and fresh ideas. He emphasized his determination to support public education and post-secondary students, be they in trades, colleges or universities. Adrian stressed the BCNDP’s Sustainable BC platform and went on to emphasize our position on the Enbridge Pipeline and opposition to tankers in the Straight.
The meeting closed with great camaraderie as friends lingered, enjoying the spirit and atmosphere of such a positive event. Special thanks to President Keith Todd and his wife Jennifer for the outstanding flowers!
OBGH Executive