Saanich North and the Islands MLA Adam Olsen has announced he won’t be seeking re-election in October, choosing instead to spend more time with his family. You can read more about his decision at CHEK News or Times Colonist as well as many other resources online.
Adam Olsen has always proven to be an advocate for the environment and an ally to SIPS. His presence and efforts will be missed. Vice President of SIPS Michael Simmons has written a letter in response to Adam's decision and it is posted below.
To: Adam Olsen, MLA Saanich North and the Islands
Legislative Assembly
Victoria BC
2nd August 2024
Adam
We are sad to learn that you will not stand to be our MLA in the next election. As our MLA you have represented the interests of all of us in the constituency with great conviction and seemingly boundless energy. We will greatly miss your knowledge, wisdom and commitment.
The Saanich Inlet Protection Society champions environmental issues concerning the Inlet that matter to all of us who live and work here. During your tenure as MLA you have tirelessly supported us on many fronts. When we asked for your help in requesting an environmental assessment of the Bamberton quarry expansion and related activities, you were there for us. You asked questions in the House of Minister Heyman, spoke to the press, and participated in our events. We especially appreciated your support on this issue as it involved competing indigenous interests. Your advice concerning that aspect of a complex environmental issue has been extraordinary and we thank you.
Recently we have become concerned with the mismanagement of local herring fisheries. Your assistance in approaching Provincial Ministers and their officials has amplified our voice and has impressed conservationists far beyond the borders of our constituency. Specifically you organised and hosted an on-line discussion about herring with some of the best informed, local, conservationists. You made time for your very effective assistant Jerram to help and engage with us, thank you.
Together with Elizabeth you organised and hosted a day long discussion with activist constituents of the complicated issues of moorings, pleasure craft use, environmental contamination and infringement on first nations harvesting rights. That discussion rejuvenated participants to maintain pressure for reform on both the Federal and our Provincial government. Thank you.
We especially appreciate that you made time to attend the Saanich Inlet Round Tables and always spoke to the important issues on the table. At those events you reminded us of the needs for reconciliation and the need to consider indigenous knowledge in the discussions. The on-line webinar you hosted with your sisters Joni and Heather was a highlight that was informative, revealing and extraordinarily well presented. Your early memories of life on the Inlet are moving and a sharp reminder of how much restorative work is needed. Thank you.
We are so proud to have had you as our representative of Saanich North and the Islands. Your contribution has made a huge difference. We hope to see more of you in public life and that you find ways to continue to influence our future. Thank you.
Sincerely,
SIPS Board of Directors
