The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Kootenay-Rockies MLA Pete Davis held a grand opening for his constituency office in Cranbrook, which is at the same location formerly occupied by his predecessor.
Davis was joined by staff and supporters during the open house at #302 – 535 Victoria Ave N, on Tuesday, June 3.
"I just want to say that it's an honour to be in this position, it's an honour to be the MLA for the people of Kootenay-Rockies and I'm going to do my best to represent this whole riding at that we have a voice," said Davis, in an interview.
Davis has been on the job since last fall after flipping the riding for the Conservative Party of B.C. in the 2024 provincial election.
"We are the largest opposition in B.C. history, so we have been able to get the media to pick up quite a few stories on things that we've been doing, as far as holding this government accountable," Davis said, specifically raising Bill 7 — tariff response legislation where the BC NDP removed a controversial section that would have granted the provincial government broader powers without debate in the Legislature.
Davis also singled out pushing back against Bill 14 and Bill 15 — legislation aimed at streamlining and fast-tracking major infrastructure projects — which drew condemnation from both the Conservative Party and Green Party, as well as First Nations.
Davis also spoke about working behind the scenes with his elected colleagues.
"It's been a really good experience to be able to get to know the people on the other side. You see us in Question People and see us fighting back and forth and screaming at each other, but we've done a lot of work together," Davis said, noting he's held meetings with Health Minister Josie Osborne and is hoping to get some traction on East Kootenay health care issues.
With the session now over, Davis will be in and around the Kootenay-Rockies riding over the summer, while also heading out across B.C. to tour mines as part of his role as shadow critic for mining.
"We are open for business, so anyone that has any concerns and they want to book meetings with us...I know it's been tough to get a hold of me lately but I am here now and I'm happy to meet with anyone who wants to meet with me," Davis said.
