Decision BC: Powell River-Sunshine Coast

In 2009: NDP incumbent Nicholas Simons defeated Liberal Dawn Miller by nearly 4500 votes, 58-34%.

History & Geography: Originally known as Mackenzie, Powell River-Sunshine Coast spans the lower coast of British Columbia from Gibsons to Port Neville. The main towns are Powell River and Sechelt, but many other small islands and inland first nations communities are in the large riding. The riding of former Liberal leader Gordon Wilson, this riding has supported Social Credit, NDP and Liberal candidates in the past. The area between Sechelt and Powell River tends to have the most NDP support.

Basic Stats:

• Population: 48325 (67th)

• Size: 30979 km (10th)

• Density: 1.6 people/km (74th)

Candidates

Liberals-Patrick Muncaster: A former civil servant, Muncaster has had a long career in the telecommunications industry with Telus and BC Tel. His focus is on emerging technologies and how they impact businesses and societies. He is the President of the Liberals’ riding association, and serves on a number of community boards.

NDP-Nicholas Simons: The critic for Community Living, Simons was first elected in 2005. Before entering politics, he was the executive director of health and social development for the Sechelt Nation. He has lectured in Criminology at Simon Fraser University, and is an accomplished cellist, performing on many professional albums.

Greens-Richard Till: A welder fabricator, Till has been an organic grape founder, trades instructor, and manager of a small business, according to his biography. He lives in Roberts Creek.