Wyatt Scott is a local business owner and community leader. He is president-elect of the Rotary Sunrise Club in Mission and is with the Optimist Club as well as being a member of various local boards.
The 38-year-old was born in Red Deer, Alta., and moved to Prince George when he was 14. He came to the Fraser Valley about a decade ago.
Scott thinks the economy is always on the top of any list of election issues.
“The economy is very important. Environment is also a huge issue in the Valley and in the Canyon. The Fraser River is a lifeline for all of us.”
He said the river plays a huge financial role and, for many people, a spiritual role as well.
“There are 25 different bands within our federal riding and the logistics of it, just the sheer size of it, it creates all sorts of challenges.”
Federally, he said “the right” is pushing the economy.
“Economy plays such an important role in any nation on the planet and I personally think that our economy could get so much stronger if we started to diversify a bit more and focus on the green sector. Ultimately, that’s where we are going to end up.”
As an independent, Scott said he faces a different set of challenges and opportunities than other candidates.
“I have my own ideologies and that’s what I’m promoting at this time. I always let people know that I have conservative, I have liberal, I have socialist ideologies. I think I’m well-rounded on the political spectrum and I personally feel as though our country will be heading in a new direction over the next couple of decades.”
Scott said people have seen all sorts of different democracies come to fruition, bringing forward new democratic processes.
“I personally stand behind direct democracy,” he said, especially in an age of technology. He said he was “shocked” that Canada is still using paper ballots, when voting should be done electronically. He said more voters would take part if voting took place online.
As for the campaign, Scott said he’s thrilled to offer a different kind of a choice to voters.
“I love Mission. I love the surrounding area. I think we are very fortunate to live where we do, when we do as well.”
The sheer size of the new riding makes representing the population a challenge. But it’s not just about time and distance.
“Even the economics of it. In the north you have the orchards, you have cattle ranchers. And then down here we have quarries. There are so many different industries within the riding.”
He said he’s thrilled to offer voters a different choice than the parties. Every day he hears promises of change from the major candidates.
“I always tell people that real change will never come from a political party. True change comes from each of us.”