6 minute read
Doug Routley
Doug Routley looks back on almost 20 Years of political life
BY MARINA SACHT
When New Democratic Party MLA Doug Routley announced last year that he was not seeking another term at the October 19, 2024 election, many in the community were surprised. After all, he has been a local fi xture for nearly 20 years, representing Nanaimo-North Cowichan.
Routley recalls his feelings when he first got elected in 2005.
“The day after the election, I remember driving through the Cowichan Valley and looking at all the institutions, businesses and homes, and thinking, now I’m responsible for representing all of these people in these interests. And then when John Horgan was elected premier, and the NDP formed the government in 2017 was another big moment for sure.” Finally, after 12 years in opposition, the party had the opportunity to apply the principles they were fighting for in policy and make a signi ficant difference in people’s lives.
He remembers attending one of his first public events at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, announcing tuition waivers for people who had been in care in the province. “Virtually everyone was moved to tears, seeing how much that meant to people who have been left out, or who have struggled finding opportunity.”
Routley points to the significance of reconciliation in BC, changing the province’s direction. “We’re in a new world now in British Columbia. I see Ladysmith as being early leaders in this effort, citing the efforts of former Ladysmith Mayor Rob Hutchins, and others, to build consensus and partnership with Stz’uminus First Nation.”
So, what made Routley decide to go into politics? “I used to joke and say two words: Gordon Campbell.”
Campbell was the BC Liberal premier from 2001 until 2010, when he resigned after considerable pressure over the selling of BC Rail and opposition to the Harmonized Sales Tax.
“I felt that the efforts to privatize public services in 2001 were excessive. And so that’s what drove me into politics.”
But now he says there’s a better balance of public-private partnership. “And that is important. And it doesn’t mean one over the other or the other second to another.”
Both his parents, George and Edna, were not political; Routley describes them as strong on ethics. “They would challenge us if we had expressed views. They wouldn’t say, you should think this way, but they would ask questions and force us to justify a position that we’ve taken.” That would play an important role later in his political career. His father passed away in the 1990s from ALS when he was only 57.
“What led me to politics was just following my nose, because when I graduated from high school, we were in quite a recession. I had been tree planting, and the crew I was with spent their winters in Japan teaching English. So, I thought I’d try that. Doug, an avid cyclist, met a frame builder there, and upon returning to Canada, started importing Japanese racing bicycles, and distributing bicycles and bicycle parts in the United States and across Canada.
Coming of age in a recessionary time forced him to do a lot of different jobs, from jobs in forestry and construction to driving a courier van. It was while working at a wholesale bakery that he had a unique experience.
“There were several deaf people; they’d immigrated as bakers. In the bakery, there was always so much flour, dust everywhere, and nobody could hear each other because the machines were so loud. But you could write whatever you wanted to say to somebody. It was one of those unique workplace cultures,” he recalls.
“And so, I think having done a lot of different things has offered me an opportunity to learn to speak the language and understand the culture of different sectors and how each thing that we do in our lives comes with it.”
Health is part of the reason he is retiring.
“I was born with extra nerve pathways in my heart that interfere with the true signal. So, it causes arrhythmia. But I feel super fortunate because most people who have a chronic health problem never really escape it. Mine is like a light switch, on and off. So, when it’s not out of rhythm, everything’s fine.” In the last seven years, he has been cardioverted over 30 times. A procedure that puts the heart back into a normal rhythm.
So, what does retirement look like?
There will be some travelling and lots of cycling for sure. And finally, the time to pursue his lifelong hobby.
“My grandfather was a railroad worker and got me interested in railways as a kid. My dad and I built model railways, so I’ve always been a model railroader, although a frustrated model railroader like everyone else who isn’t retired.” He laughs.
But most of all, he is looking forward to just being at home with his partner and family.
“I’m so grateful to Leanne for not only being my life partner, but in politics as well.” Leanne Finlayson is a constituency assistant for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford NDP MP Alistair MacGregor.
“I thank my constituency assistants, Pam, Karen and Sarah, because they have built relationships within ministries that can get things.” He calls them the unsung heroes in the community.
“And then finally, I thank every person I’ve had the honour of representing and placed their trust in me.” And for those that did not vote for him, he said he tried to represent them as well. “Political parties are like buses: You get on the bus that gets you closest to your favourite destination. It’s not always going to take you all the way, and you may have to walk a bit and negotiate stops with the other passengers.” However looking back at almost 20 years, Routley says he feels blessed with having the honour and opportunity to represent people.
“We did do what we said we’d do, and we have made a difference. I feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that. It’s been the most remarkable experience.”
