My name is Ernie Sellentin, your BC Green Party candidate for the Courtenay-Comox riding. I am running for the BC Greens because we need meaningful change in this province. Both the Liberals and NDP represent the status quo: the same old ideas, the same ties to donors and special interest groups, the same policies that favour big business. I intend to represent you and the issues that affect you.

Originally from Texada Island, I have lived with my family in the Valley since 1981. After a career in logging, I returned to school for a BSc in Environmental Science from Royal Roads University and a diploma in Environmental Assessment from NIC. Once graduated, I created a niche company that focuses on developing and maintaining healthy eco-systems. My company restores natural habitat by reducing the invasive species that destroy the biodiversity and re-introducing native species.

I am a husband, father, and grandfather. I understand that we need to protect the environment for future generations. Having re-trained as a mature student and as a small business owner, I understand that we need to support public education and post-secondary education that will prepare students for jobs in the 21st century. We need change on many levels but it has to be smart change to support and maintain healthy living and a viable economy without threatening our fragile environment. The needs of youths, families, seniors and our community鈥檚 most vulnerable all matter.

The Green Party will provide a living wage and affordable daycare to support families which, in turn, supports their communities. We need sustainable change in economic, environmental, and social policies.

Our platform includes $30 million to enhance the long-term viability of the agriculture sector by supporting food production on ALR; agriculture apprenticeship programs in schools; and $40 million to fund research and establish regional agricultural bureaus.

The Liberals and the NDP have both dismantled the business relationship between forest harvesting, sawmills, pulp mills, and local communities. The Green Party forest policy would return the resource back to the communities including First Nations.

The BC Green Party understands that supporting education and new business is the best way to ensure our prosperity. We will modernize labour laws, allocate money for post-secondary education and provide $50 million in business incubators and affordable space for companies to support innovation, business creation, and development for a 21st century economy.

I am committed to supporting policies that will provide clean drinking water and protection for our watershed, sustainable agriculture practices, and a living wage.

The Green Party has the expertise, innovate ideas, and policies to deliver smart, viable change here and across B.C.

I encourage you to drop by the Hub on Thursday mornings from 10-11 a.m. (Duncan Street in Courtenay) to share your ideas. Or, visit my office on the K鈥檕moks First Nation on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m.

On May 9, vote Ernie Sellentin and the BC Greens.

I look forward to working for you in Victoria by being your voice on the issues that matter.