Surrey MLA to Kwantlen students: prepare to lead the future

Local MLA, Harry Bains, recently dropped by to share his advice on a career in politics, how parties are different, and why you should care.

By Paul Li [political bureau chief]

Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Newton, visited Kwantlen on Oct. 19 to meet with students of Political Science for an hour-long chat. A very active member of the community, Bains has been MLA since 2005 and served in the Kwantlen University College Board of Governors 1993-1999.

Bains started his career serving the community as a member of the Steelworkers-IWA Canada local 2171 union at his workplace. He served as an officer for 15 years, eventually taking on the responsibility of vice president and led negotiations with employers in collective bargaining efforts.

He joined the New Democratic Party, and won his seat as Surrey-Newton MLA with 57.9 per cent of the votes in the general provincial elections of 2005. He was re-elected in 2009 with 68.93 per cent of the votes. As Opposition Critic for Transportation and Infrastructure, he has strived to improve the service of public transportation across the province.

During his time with the students, Bains’ reminded them of their responsibility to themselves. “One day, it is you who will be leading this country. Are you ready for it?” asked Bains.

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Paul Li – Why should anyone be interested in politics?

Harry Bains – The world around you was made by decisions. Everything you see around you- someone made the decision at some point. In most cases, it was politicians that made these decisions. Politics can be a very honourable and rewarding career if one enters for the right reasons. Even if you don’t become a politician, it is important to get involved. If you don’t, you rob a vote in favour of the policies you prefer. You can’t leave it to someone else, and expect them to do as you would like.

PL – How would one get involved?

HB – It’s important to decide how you want to get involved. If you decide to join the political establishment, it is very important to choose the correct party to join. Think about what your beliefs are- what kind of social and economic policies you prefer. Then, research the parties and pick the one that best matches you and join that one.

PL – There’s criticism that all parties are the same?

HB – It’s unfortunate, but most people are only aware of politics during electoral campaigns. And during campaigns all politicians are trained to get the image across in the same way. It’s not what they said, but what and how they do that’s important- and on that score there are differences.

PL – Can you tell us a bit more about your work?

HB – As NDP Critic of Transportation, it’s my responsibility to be well informed and up to date on all transportation and infrastructure issues that occur in B.C. Lately, we’ve been dealing with methods to expand public transportation service, especially in the South Fraser Valley- and very importantly, how these expansions should be funded.

PL – How has discrimination deminished since you arrived?

HB – Laws can’t make you equal. You have to feel equal to be equal. Now in Canada, you can. That’s the beauty of Canada.