A constituency liaison to Squamish's member of parliament is running for District council in hopes of bringing a local mother's point of view to elected office.
Christina Walsh currently works as a part-time political staffer MP Patrick Weiler, who represents West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country in Ottawa.
Walsh also co-created a lifestyle brand called the momBabes that is best known locally for its books, which are anthologies of stories written by mothers.
"After these last few years of working in politics and having the opportunity to work with different ministers and community leaders and seeing women in politics, I really wanted to continue that. I wanted to see more of us out there," Walsh told The Squamish Chief on Sept. 8.
"As a mom and a woman, I wanted our voices on council. And I think we need more female voices in politics."
She said that if she does make it into office, she will continue to work for Weiler, but will recuse herself in cases where there are conflicts of interest.
Regarding her platform, childcare is a big concern for Walsh.
She said it's crucial to have conversations with providers to figure out how the municipality can support them.
"How can we best support them when new developments are coming in here — making sure those childcare spaces [are] going to work for the childcare provider that's going to go into those spaces," Walsh said.
She also listed improvements to Brennan Park as being an issue of importance.
"Brennan Park is a second home for most of us as parents, and we know the continuing work that is needed here," said Walsh. "Because it's so family-focused, I think that having a mother's voice will be really helpful in those conversations."
Improved health care, social services and regional transportation were all critical issues that she also identified, though she conceded that these are areas where a municipality does not have power.
"I understand that these are provincially mandated," said Walsh. "Some of these are also at the federal level as well, but at the municipal level, we have to advocate for this. And we have to do this consistently, and we have to do this continuously."
When asked what could be done about these issues with a municipality's powers, she said she would have conversations about those topics.
"I don't have all the answers," said Walsh. "But I know that there are pain points. And so, I really want to be able to help, and I think that I'm willing to work hard. I'm willing to listen."
She also added that her point of view makes her stand apart from the current council and the other candidates who are seeking office.
"I think I'm a strong advocate for women and mothers," said Walsh. "And I think I'm a friend. And …I hope that [people] feel that I'm approachable. I hope that they know that they can come to me, they can call me, they can reach out to me. That I'm here working for them."
The municipal election is Oct. 15.
