Adrian Dix: Engaging with a Change-Maker

Last May, when we had the chance to meet with Premier Christy Clark, we jumped at it. Two weeks ago, when we had the chance to meet BC NDP leader Adrian Dix, we jumped again. We’re not what you would call very political here at VancouverMom.ca. However, we believe that informing yourself is important. That’s why we want to empower you to Mom the Vote, and it’s also why we take every chance we can get to meet with politicians, leaders and change-makers. If we want to create a truly family-friendly, liveable city, we need to get involved.

Talking Housing with Adrian Dix

Following the meeting with Premier Clark, some of our 2012 Top 30 Vancouver Mom Bloggers got in touch with Mr. Dix’s office to set up a roundtable. Due to scheduling conflicts, only three of us were able to make it to the meeting with Adrian Dix: Top 30 Vancouver Mom Bloggers Suzanne Serwatuk and Eschelle Westwood, and VancouverMom.ca Managing Editor Amber Strocel. The meeting got off to a rocky start when the fire alarm went off at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Mr. Dix led us all outside into the sunny and warm afternoon.

As we sat on a park bench and waited for the “all clear”, Adrian Dix pointed out the various buildings around the open playing field in front of us. In the process, he filled us in on some of the housing concerns facing the neighbourhood. Specifically, many of the units are very small, making it difficult for families to comfortably live in them. As well, costs are high, whether you own or rent. As a resident of the neighbourhood himself Mr. Dix is very familiar with its challenges, but any Vancouver mom can tell you that the concerns are similar all across the city.

Addressing Our Concerns

Once we headed inside we had a chance to address our concerns to Adrian Dix. In particular, we talked about how to encourage voting rates, how to create more stability in a public school system that’s faced many labour disputes, issues around finding (and paying for) quality childcare, and the future of BC film. Mr. Dix was frank about the budget challenges facing the province. Every program we implement costs money that we don’t always have. This means that our elected officials need to be very thoughtful about how they use limited resources.

In terms of the education system, Mr. Dix feels that class composition is one of the biggest issues facing our teachers. When many students with specific educational needs are placed in a single classroom, it’s difficult to ensure that everyone is getting enough attention. He also has concerns about how negotiations between the BC Teachers’ Federation and the government have been conducted in recent years. Specifically, he would like to ensure that teachers are allowed to negotiate in good faith.

Use Your Voice to Mom the Vote

In the end, the point that Adrian Dix drove home most eloquently is that we all need to work together. Regardless of political affiliations, our elected officials are working hard on our behalf. In general, they pursue public office in order to contribute to the greater good. Now it’s up to us to make the best decisions we can about who we vote for, and to make our voice heard by giving feedback. If we don’t let our leaders know what we want, after all, there’s little hope that we will be able to get it.

What issues are you considering as we head into a provincial election in May? Leave us a reply and let us know!