As the provincial election grows near, get to know your local BC NDP candidate and incumbent for the Kootenay-Central riding: Brittny Anderson.
Who is Brittny Anderson?
Brittny Anderson has lived in the Kootenays her whole life.
In university, she received her undergraduate degree in international relations and then her master’s in environmental science and policy. She’s worked in the environmental field her entire adult life in agriculture, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Anderson is seeking re-election in the Kootenay-Central riding, where she has served as an NDP MLA since 2020.
Her previous experience in government includes serving as a Nelson City Councillor from 2018 to 2020 and as a board member for the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
She says she’s deeply passionate about serving her community and hopes to continue serving as the MLA for another four years.
“I love my community. I am deeply passionate about fighting for my community, and I have a long track record of delivering results both as a city councillor at the regional district table and as MLA over the past four years. There’s a very clear choice in this election. We are statistically tied with the Conservatives. There is so much at stake, and I need your vote.”
Accomplishments
While serving as the region’s MLA for the last four years, Anderson says she’s proud of what she’s been able to deliver to rural communities.
Anderson played a key role in the province-wide expansion of the Youth Climate Corps program; she has championed the expansion of the Argenta Safety and Preparedness Society wildfire response model and helped successfully expand BC’s Travel Assistance Program to allow mileage claims for trips where flights are either not available or feasible.
“I am so proud that we are able to deliver things like this for rural people across British Columbia. I have felt incredibly honoured to work as your MLA for the past four years, and I feel like I’ve gotten a lot done, but there is a lot more to do for our community.”
The Issues: Healthcare and Affordability
According to Anderson, the most important issues in her riding are climate change, affordability, housing, and health care.
“We know that the threat of climate change is very real, and we need to make sure that we are taking action to reduce our GHG emissions while also preparing our communities and ensuring that they are resilient.”
In terms of affordability, Anderson says she and her government have been, and will continue to be, committed to expanding and delivering programs to help.
“I was speaking to a mom the other day whose baby is about to turn one, and she was so grateful that she was able to get into $10-a-day childcare for her daughter. This is helping people re-enter the workforce, it’s helping families, and it’s also ensuring that our youngest members of society receive excellent care from professionals.”
While the state of rural healthcare is a concern for all residents, Anderson says it’s of particular concern for seniors, adding that she is dedicated to ensuring rural BC residents have equitable access to health care.
Regarding housing, Anderson proudly stands by her party leader, David Eby, and the entire NDP government as they continue to accelerate and unlock more homes for British Columbians.
“We’ve built more housing in the past four years than any government anywhere in Canada, and I am so proud to stand alongside him and a government that is investing in homes for people.”
Final Words
Anderson says there is “a lot at stake” in this election.
With the BC Conservatives and BC NDP statistically tied, she asks voters to decide which budget they support.
“There’s only one budget. Do you want a BC NDP budget that’s investing in healthcare, building homes for people, and taking climate action, or do you want a Rustad government, where anti-choice groups are currently recruiting people to work on the Conservatives’ campaign? I do not want the Conservatives anywhere near our healthcare system, our education system, or our climate action plan. There is way too much at stake in this election.”
The election will be held on October 19.
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