Rita Aedan's candidate statement

1. What made you decide to run in this election?

The simplicity of deciding to run for the vacant councillor’s position within the community of Tahsis is partially based in having lived on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, witnessing the lack of protection for community watersheds, living through five years of drought conditions and watershed damage…a situation that must not happen to Tahsis…while struggling along with the hard-working association of community groups, to get positive outcomes from the Provincial government.

Combined with this reason is the overarching love of place that I have for Tahsis and  surrounding environs.  From the first time as a teenager when I visited Friendly Cove, Nootka Island where my Grandfather, Arthur Swanson, was the keeper of the light, I knew that this place was and is like no other on earth.  The raw beauty of Tahsis has captured my heart and soul and, as such, I have determined to give my all in standing up for the irreplaceable.

As a friend whom I worked with while Chairperson for the South Wellington/Cedar/North Oyster community group, acronym CAPPS, recently wrote to me:  “Time has been waiting for you to do this Rita.”  Time waits no longer!

2, What part of your background (experience, education, skills etc.) would make you a good person in this office?

My Secular Work Experience along with Community/Environmental activism/involvement is as follows:

Work Experience                                                     

Head of Current Accounts, CIBC                                

Assistant Manager, Nanaimo Real Estate Co.             

Assistant Manager, Greater Nanaimo                         

Chamber of Commerce/Tourist Bureau                       

Manager, Nanaimo Construction Association             

Band Secretary, Stn’uminus First Nation                    

Office Manager, Nanaimo Crane Company 

Community/Environmental Activism
Writer – Victoria Street News - Monthly Column
Chairperson – Citizens Advocating for Public Process & Sustainability – Protecting Community Aquifer 

President – North Oyster/Diamond Ratepayers Association

Member – Vancouver Island Water Watch Coalition (10 years)

Member – Nootka Sound Watershed Society
Member – McKelvie Matters – Citizen signed Petition to stop Logging in McKelvie Old Growth Forest & Tahsis Community Watershed - Petition presented to BC Legislative Assembly October 2019
Vice-President – Tahsis Community Garden Society

In supporting the Unique Spirit of Tahsis I will utilize my experience by working in harmony with the Official Community Plan, supporting the transition to an eco-tourism based economy, supporting the Tahsis to Zeballos Trail to its successful conclusion, work in harmony of purpose with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation and, above all else, work to save the McKelvie Old Growth Forest and our community watershed from logging through the removal of the McKelvie and environs from TFL 19.  

3. What is the most important issue facing Tahsis and what will you do to address it?

Of utmost importance is the saving/protecting of our McKelvie Creek Old Growth forest, surrounding environs and habitat during this time of global climate change.  As an ATV owner, I have driven through logging areas and witnessed first-hand the utter desecration of unrestricted logging practices, the residual garbage left behind and the disrespectful to devastating damage done to the environment.   

Currently, BC taxpayers pay a carbon tax each and every time we pull up to a gas pump while minus common sense Old Growth forests, acting as carbon sinks, are logged.  “Old growth forests accumulate carbon for centuries and contain large quantities of it.  We expect, however, that much of this carbon…will move back to the atmosphere if these forests are disturbed.”  Link to article below.

(PDF) Old-growth forests as global carbon sinks - ResearchGate

It has now been recognized that trees are of more value standing than cut down.  For this reason and more, I have chosen to dedicate my time and experience in working to protect our environmental guardians…the trees of The McKelvie along with the earth that sustains us all.  For those who say jobs, jobs, jobs, I reply with…no earth, no jobs.

Therefore, I will encourage new, innovative ideas to grow our community successfully while leaving behind the same old, same old.

Bringing ideas/suggestions forward on practical community adaptation & planning during this time of Global Climate Change.

Will encourage support for local small business…working together…Tahsis locals first!

With dedication and purpose, I look forward to serving the people of Tahsis.

Rita Aedan