Nicholas Simons

Nicholas Simons
MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast
Assumed office
2005
Preceded by Harold Long
Personal details
Political party New Democrat
Spouse(s) Scott Scobbie
Website nicholassimons.ca

Nicholas Simons is a Canadian politician. He is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia, and member of the New Democratic Party. He represents the riding of Powell River-Sunshine Coast.

Politics

Simons was a candidate in the 2004 federal election, for the riding of West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast. While he was not elected, the experience convinced him to run in the provincial election the following year. In 2005, Simons was elected, and became the MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. He was re-elected in 2009.[1] He is one of four openly gay members of the provincial legislature.[2]

In the legislature, Simons has served as chair of the Caucus Social Policy Committee, critic for Tourism, Sport and the Arts, and as critic for the Ministry for Children and Family Development.

He is rumoured to be one of thirteen provincial caucus members who forced the resignation of Carole James from her position as leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party.[3] James announced her resignation on December 6, after consulting with a group of caucus members opposed to her continued leadership.[4]

He declared his candidacy in the 2011 leadership race on January 5, 2011.[5]

Life before entering politics

Before entering politics, Simons worked as a child-protection social worker for the Ministry for Children and Family Development, as a financial assistance worker, and as the crime prevention coordinator for the Northwest Territories. He has been a consultant for the federal, Northwest Territories and First Nations governments in areas of law reform and child welfare.

He served as the executive director of health and social development for the Sechelt Nation from 1997 until his election in 2005. In this role he oversaw health, child welfare, alcohol and drugs, financial assistance and justice programs. He also negotiated funding for innovative preventative health and social services.[1]

Simons is the son of musician Jan Simons.[6] He is also a cellist, whose musical credits include several tracks on Rise Against's 2004 album Siren Song of the Counter Culture.[7] Simons and Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson both perform on country-punk musician Slim Milkie's 2010 album Silverado;[7] Milkie, whose real name is Scott Scobbie, is Simons' partner of nine years.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 "Official Biography: Nicholas Simons". Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
  2. ↑ Claveau, Diane (2004-06-24). "A skilled mediator: Nicholas Simons brings NDP voice to West Vancouver & Sunshine Coast". Xtra! West.
  3. ↑ MacLeod, Andrew (2010-12-04). "Who Are the NDP's 13 Dissidents?". The Tyee.
  4. ↑ Fowlie, Jonathan and Rob Shaw (2010-12-06). "Carole James quits as NDP leader". Vancouver Sun.
  5. ↑ Fowlie, Jonathan (2011-01-05). "NDP leadership race takes shape as new names enter -- and exit". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2015-05-28.
  6. ↑ JAN SIMONS, SINGER 1925-2006 Stone, M JView Profile. The Globe and Mail [Toronto, Ont] 29 June 2006: S.9.
  7. 1 2 "NDP MLA Nicholas Simons strikes hardcore gold record". The Georgia Straight, September 3, 2009.
  8. ↑ "NDP MLA Nicholas Simons’s leadership bid linked to tragedy". The Georgia Straight, January 5, 2011.
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