Former Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks has announced he will seek the Kootenay East BC Liberal candidacy.

“After careful consideration and consultation with family, friends and supporters I am going to seek the nomination for seat in Kootenay East for the Liberal Party of British Columbia,” Wilks stated in an e-mail to e-KNOW.

Before becoming MP in 2011, as part of the Stephen Harper Conservative government, Wilks was District of Sparwood Mayor for two terms (2005 – 2011), as well as a district councillor from 2002-2005. Wilks also served on the Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors and was board chair from ’08 to ’11.

Wilks narrowly lost his re-election bid last year, by 282 votes to Wayne Stetski (NDP).

“My experience in municipal, regional and federal politics provides me with not only the experience but the understanding of the issues in Kootenay East,” Wilks said.

“As Mayor of Sparwood I spearheaded the renegotiation of the Elk Valley Mine Tax Sharing Agreement which benefits Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie and Electoral Area A. When the community of Sparwood went through a devastating loss in 2008, I ensured that the families affected by the tragedy as well as the community at whole were supported.

“As Director and Chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay I worked collaboratively with other Directors to ensure such projects like Lot 48 in Area F was protected from residential development,” Wilks related.

Having a firm grasp on regional, provincial and federal issues and knowing how things get done are attributes a provincial MLA should have, he said, noting outgoing Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett has laid a strong foundation to follow.

“Whether it be coal mines in the Elk Valley, Infrastructure projects through out the constituency, working with First Nations and the environment, I believe I can continue with the great work that was and continues to be done by the Hon. Bill Bennett leading up to the Provincial Election in May 2017,” he said.

Wilks also said he understands how hard the work is for those in senior government leadership positions.

“As Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia from 2011 to 2015 I was able to work closely with provincial and municipal governments and was successful in moving several projects forward. Some of these include West Fernie infrastructure upgrades. Flood mitigation in Elkford and Fernie. Wastewater upgrades in Cranbrook. Working with First Nations on education and infrastructure issues – just to name a few. My private member’s Bill C-299 which, was passed into law, ensured that Kidnapping of a Child under the age of 16 received a minimum sentence of five years. I played a key role on several parliamentary committees, including Health Committee, Justice Committee and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Committee.”

Sparwood was Wilks’ last post as a RCMP officer. Being a police officer also provided him with an awareness of social issues and dealing with people on all levels.

“Twenty years with the RCMP provided me with the a great background for dealing with a variety of issues in a common sense and compassionate manner,” he told e-KNOW.

“I look forward to the nomination race. For those who want to support me in the nomination you will have to be a member of BC Liberal Party,” he concluded.

Four-term MLA Bill Bennett announced he will not seek re-election in the 2017 provincial election.

Lead image: David Wilks at a September 2013 funding announcement in Sparwood. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW file photo

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