Decision BC: Delta South

In 2009: Though she was behind in the initial count, independent Vicki Huntington emerged victorious over Attorney-General Wally Oppal in a recount by 32 votes, becoming the first independent candidate to be elected in British Columbia in 60 years.

History & Geography: Delta South was created for the 1991 election, having split off from the previous “Delta” riding. It spans all of Delta west of Highway 91. The NDP have not won this area since 1972, when it comprised all of Delta.

Basic Stats:
Population: 57945 (18th)

Size: 22.9 km (20th)

Density: 2530 people/km (20th)

Odds and Ends: In 2005, people in Delta South had the fourth highest median income in the province at $32,535, behind only Vancouver-False Creek, Vancouver-Fairview, and North Vancouver-Seymour.

Candidates

Liberals-Bruce McDonald: A Delta councillor since 1987, McDonald was a longtime manager of Vancouver Airport Control Tower and Control Centre, responsible for the movement of aircraft throughout the province. He has served as a Director and Executive for several community, ratepayer, sports and church organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, B.C. Football Referees Association, and Colebrook United Church.

NDP-Nic Slater: An agriculturist, Slater ran for the NDP in Delta-Richmond East the last federal election, finishing with 23% of the vote – slightly up from the 22% they received in 2008. Slater graduated from agricultural school in 1979, and has made ALR issues a top concern of his campaign. He has also been a small business owner and ski coach in Whistler.

IND-Vicki Huntington: A Delta councilor from 1993 to 2008, Huntington became the first independent candidate in 60 years to be elected in B.C. after winning the riding in 2009. Before entering politics, Huntington was a band manager for the Gitanmaax in Hazelton, and a bureaucrat in a number of federal ministries. Her father was a Progressive Conservative MP for Capilano in the 1970s.