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Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Elected as a Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for the Constituency of Saanich South on May 12, 2009. New Democratic Opposition Critic for the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. Raised on Quadra Island and has an undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia. Extensive track record as a community leader, advocate and environmental activist.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Notes From The Campaign Trail.......





There are over 20,000 doors standing between me and election day, May 12th!

One of the most enjoyable parts of this campaign so far is the door knocking
around our Saanich South community. The different neighbourhoods are
interesting to explore. I had a similar enjoyable experience when I ran as a
candidate in the 2005 Saanich Municipal election. I've found people to be
both welcoming and good-natured as I introduce myself door by door. It's
reassuring each time a resident recognises me from my work in the community
or recognises my voice from being on CFAX with Joe Easingwood and offers a
kind word.

I have heard so many supportive comments and have received offers to help
with my campaign.

Door knocking is a bit like a thermometer. It's like I'm taking the
political temperature of our community as I spend the hours moving from
doorstep to doorstep and there have been many nice surprises along the way.
What has been very encouraging are the positive responses I have been
receiving in Broadmead. People told me Broadmead isn't traditionally an area
where New Democrats do well, but many people seem to share my interests and
my concerns. They seem ready for change and as I said, it's very
encouraging. As I work my way around Saanich South I will be talking to many
people, and I hope I get to talk to you!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Reflections


Taking a step into the ring of Provincial politics is exciting and meaningful for me. Last August I made the decision to be a part of the May 12th race to the Legislature and I haven't looked back. Almost every day now I am asked why I am doing this, or why I think I am ready.

This is not a question that has a simple answer. There are so many reasons to enter into public service and I will get into the details over the next week. Today I can tell you that I have been on this journey my whole life. Whether it started in grade 7 when I won the Marie Mercier Leadership Award, or in Grade 11, when I became Prime Minister of my school.

Now I am 40 years old, and there have been so many important days in my life when I stood up and said things need to be different, and I want to put in the time to make the change.

This happens to be the time that everything I believe in deep inside, is in the spotlight. This is a time when, more than ever, I feel the opportunity to make a difference is now.
So I am working as hard as possible to have the chance to make a difference at the Provincial level. I won't stop until the polls close the evening of May 12th, and I would love your help along the way.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Connect the dots....................


The funding that we could be using to begin developing a much-needed LRT system in this region keeps passing us by. At what point will our provincial decision makers start connecting the dots when it comes to funding a strong economy and sustainability?

We watched a ton of money come and go last summer in the form of individual $100 carbon cheques. This money, distributed by the government, was to offset the carbon tax that gasoline consumers started paying in July 08. The government distributed $440 million dollars across British Columbia. If we had pooled our cheques for this region we would have had about $33- million to begin bringing LRT to Greater Victoria. Using carbon tax funding to invest in a regional transportation solution would have been smart and progressive. This government is not there.

A regional LRT system is where we need to go to meet our carbon-reduction targets. Waiting for the guaranteed ridership levels to increase, waiting for pollution to get bad enough, or waiting for the moment when it takes 2 hours to get from the Westshore into Victoria due to traffic snarls, is inappropriate. We only need to look at Portland, Oregon , to know it’s a mistake to wait.

Money invested in LRT in this region will create jobs and stimulate our economy while moving in a direction that we are talking about going. We need government to stop using the word sustainability if they are not prepared to fast track sustainable projects. I don't want my tax money being used to fund single occupancy vehicle projects, such as massive traffic interchanges, I want my tax money solving problems.



Lana Popham

Saanich South

Monday, February 2, 2009

Gung Hay Fat Choy!




This was a wonderful day in Victoria BC. I was so happy to be participating in all of the celebrations. The colors and the costumes were a treat. Gung Hay Fat Choi!