Despite a spirited challenge from Conservative Chris Sankey, the NDP's Tamara Davidson prevailed in North Coast-Haida Gwaii with 64 per cent of the vote.
"I am so proud to be the first Indigenous MLA for North Coast Haida Gwaii," Davidson said at her campaign watch party at the Crest Hotel.
Davidson got the nod from the North Coast-Haida Gwaii NDP membership after three-term MLA Jennifer Rice decided not to run again at the dissolution of the legislature in May.
"My heart is full of the love that you've given me, and I give it back to you twofold," said Davidson. "It is clear that things need to change... So I am heading into the BC legislature on your behalf with a clear mandate in the North Coast-Haida Gwaii, we need more reliable health care, affordable housing and quality education."
Davidson is a career public servant with 28 years in land management, strategic planning, conservation, and tourism for the federal government and says she is a proud member of the Haida Nation and a proud British Columbian.
She was also proud to serve as a negotiator for the Haida Nation in talks that led to the signing of the Haida Title Recognition Act into B.C. law. She is the first Haida person to represent this constituency.
"I am proud our communities have proven that once again, in overcoming challenges that we face – this is a place where people support people, despite cultures and communities," said Davidson.
She ran on the NDP government's record saying she is committed to addressing critical North Coast and Haida issues such as affordability, healthcare access, economic development, and infrastructure improvements.
Rice said she has full confidence in Davidson being an effective MLA.
"I feel good leaving knowing that there's someone that's going to continue the good work that the BC NDP has been doing, that she's someone who understands our needs, but she will fairly represent everybody, regardless of where they live," said Rice.
"I know some people are concerned that she's not from Prince Rupert, but she lives in the riding, and Haida Gwaii is part of the riding, and there's nothing to worry about in that sense. I would never have chosen her if I didn't think she could represent all of us, she has the skills, she's been working with my government already, so when she goes to the legislature, she can hit the ground running."
Since the riding was created in 1991, it has been held by the NDP except for the period from 2001-2005 when Liberal Bill Belsey was the representative.
A total of 7,213 people cast their votes in the electoral district of North Coast-Haida Gwaii in 2024. Sankey garnered almost 36 per cent of the votes.
In a Facebook post, Sunday morning, Sankey was gracious in defeat.
"Firstly, I would like to congratulate Tamara Davidson on her win last night... I know you'll represent the constituents well. Be the voice that we all need," he wrote. "To the entire riding, your voice matters. Your family, friends and community matters. Remember. There are no losses. Only experiences that I'll take to the next level."
Arnie Bellis and Sandy Gagnom, residents of Haida Gwaii, attended the election result watch party in support of Davidson. They expressed their expectations for good quality service and representation from Davidson, emphasizing her honesty and urging her to continue in that manner.
"Tamara, is a woman who has, like Jennifer, shown integrity and knows what is needed and can bring people together. She's clear, not confused in any way, about what people need and what's the right thing for this riding. So Haida Gwaii is very happy," said Karen Dean, another resident of Haida Gwaii.
"I think she's an excellent candidate and she's got the experience working with people and solving problems, " said Garry Coons, who was the North Coast-Haida Gwaii NDP MLA between 2005 and 2013.
"She's got the voice. I'm always telling people who have a voice – use it! I knew she would do it; she's got her mother's fighting spirit.," said Davidson's mother Lois Rullin.
Rullin was a member of the Canadian Navy in Haida Gwaii in the 1950s.
