NDP’s Scott Fraser elected in Alberni-Pacific Rim

BC NDP Scott Fraser was elected as MLA of Vancouver Island’s Alberni-Pacific Rim riding for the third time Tuesday night.

He defeated BC Liberal Darren Deluca by 52.9 per cent to 37.4 per cent.

The riding stretches the entire width of central Vancouver Island from Tofino to Bowser, centred in Port Alberni.

This riding has traditionally been an NDP stronghold, having elected an NDP or CCF MLA in 12 of the last 15 elections, including former leader Bob Skelley from 1972 to 1988.

Many of the rural parts of the riding are neutral in political affiliation, but Port Alberni itself is heavily NDP.

Last election, Fraser beat Liberal challenger Dianne St. Jacques 59 per cent to 32 percent.

Forestry and job creation are key issues in this riding.

There are no major cities the riding touches on the Georgia Strait coast however, so the riding’s centre is Port Alberni.

Fraser is Critic for Aboriginal Relations and was Mayor of Tofino from 1996 to 1999, but now makes Nanaimo his home.

According to his bio, “his background includes small business, labour, harbour management, fisheries and shellfish aquaculture.”