Lifelong Delta resident, former dairy farmer on his family’s farm of 87 years, auctioneer, Delta Councilor, and MLA for Delta South since 2017, Ian Paton highlighted his community involvement, agricultural experience, and volunteer service. He reviewed his political journey through the BC Liberal, BC United, and BC Conservative parties.
As BC Conservative Party agriculture critic, he spoke extensively about visiting farming communities across British Columbia. His concerns included farmland preservation, Agricultural Land Reserve enforcement, irrigation restrictions, and proposals affecting agricultural land. He also gave examples of how current wildfires are impacting farmers in the province, threatening crops and closing off transportation routes.
He criticized the cancellation of the previously planned George Massey bridge project and voiced concerns about cost increases and delays for the tunnel replacement project.
Regarding pipeline proposals, he said that Delta farmers had already absorbed significant infrastructure impacts over the years, with land being carved up over the years by highways, railroads and development.
He expressed frustration over delays to the Delta Hospital extended-care project, stating that fundraising targets had been met but the province had postponed or paused the project.
He discussed wildfires, agricultural impacts, irrigation restrictions, LNG projects, hydroelectric power development, and coal shipments through Delta.
