In just a couple of days, British Columbians who have not already mailed in their ballot, will go their local polling station and cast their vote to elect the members of the next provincial government.
The 87 elected members will be charged with making decisions that have the potential to affect the direction B.C. moves for years to come.
Managing this province is no easy task.
British Columbia has a population of more than five million and our provincial budget tops $60 billion a year.
Decisions need to be made thoughtfully and carefully, by the best people we can find, in order to meet the present and future needs of our population.
This is not an easy task at the best of times, and now, during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing opioid crisis, there are some important issues which must be considered.
During the election campaign, the various candidates and party leaders have campaigned, answered questions and appeared in candidate and leadership debates.
And we, the public, have hopefully taken the time to evaluate them as we decide who to support.
This is, after all, a hiring process.
Those who are seeking public office must be seen as candidates for an important job.
Determining which candidate to elect should be treated as if members of the voting public were evaluating a job applicant.
This means examining each candidate’s skills, credentials and qualifications from the perspective of what would make them the best suited for the position.
While it is important to have someone who is friendly and approachable, the most important component must be the ability to do the work required – and do it well.
And while a candidate’s party affiliations can give an indication of how decisions will be made, a good representative will put the needs of the riding and of the province ahead of that.
And after the votes have been counted – potentially some time in mid-November – those who are elected must comport themselves as employees of the voting public.
Governing our province is an important job, and those making the decisions affecting us must be held to the highest standard.