Liberal candidate Karley Scott.
Image Credit: Contributed
September 08, 2015 - 9:00 PM
WEST KELOWNA - Liberal MP candidate Karley Scott’s first vehicle was a snowmobile.
As a Metis, she also spent much of her first year in a papoose on her dads back in La Ronge, Sask. She says her unique upbringing is what makes her a good lawyer and is also what will make her a good Member of Parliament for the newly formed riding of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola if she is elected.
“I’m part of two worlds,” she says. “It’s a large part of what influenced my perspective. I come from a tiny community where community really matters. That’s a large part of what informs my decisions.”
Scott, 40, is married with two kids. She moved to the Okanagan three years ago after getting her law degree from the University of Calgary. She says she chose law after working for the federal government for ten years as a funder for Skills Development Canada. There she worked with aboriginal communities addressing issues like homelessness and economic development.
“I really wanted to do what I could as a Metis person to enhance the lives of indigenous people,” she says. “I thought having a law degree wouldn’t hurt.”
She never saw herself as a politician.
“This was never part of my plan. I wanted to become a lawyer and develop a practice in aboriginal law but I believe in my abilities to advocate on behalf of this community, I believe in the team and Justin’s ability to gather around him accomplished people is unique. It’s leadership that I’m drawn to. He listens to opinions and makes decisions and stands by them. I can’t wait to be part of his caucus.”
Scott is running against incumbent MP Dan Albas to represent residents of the newly formed riding of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, a vast and diverse collection from what was formerly three different districts. Scott says although the region is large and represents a lot of people, the major issues are the same.
“Growing an economy that keeps the environment in mind and doesn’t leave people behind. At my core I’m a relationship builder. These issues span more than just one jurisdiction. Issues like healthcare and the environment are so important.”
She says there were two sticking points when she was nominated in December.
“One of them was my children and the sacrifice running would take. I’m busy all the time and it’s sacrificing a lot of time but I believe in this and I believe in it enough to take time away from my children.”
She says the other reason she decided to run is the experience and money she has invested in herself and her ability to represent those who don’t have a voice.
“I’ve spent a lot of money putting education into my head and I want to use that. This party allows me to speak freely. (They) want fresh perspective. They want voices that have a fresh, critical perspective," she says. “We need to have less of Ottawa in our communities and more of our communities in Ottawa.”
For more information on Karley Scott and her party, visit her website and Facebook page.
Liberal candidate Karley Scott and her family.
Image Credit: Contributed
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015