Bill Barisoff, former MLA
Bill Barisoff was an MLA from 1996 - 2013, representing Okanagan Boundary, Penticton Okanagan Valley and Penticton.
His portfolios included Minister of Water, Land and Protection, Minister of Provincial Revenue and Speaker of the House.
Born in Oliver, he owned a trucking firm in Oliver. He began his political career as a trustee and chairman with the Okanagan Similkameen School District.
He and his wife Edna have three children and five grandchildren.
Barisoff spoke recently with valley editor James Miller as part of a series of articles catching up with retired politicians.
HERALD: It’s been five years. What have you been doing since leaving office?
BARISOFF: I have been enjoying my grandkids more than anything. I was on the board of directors for Desert Valley Hospice Society for two years. Edna and I enjoy going south to the milder climate for at least one month during the winter. Two of our sons run a business, which is based close to where we live, so I spend a fair bit of time doing chores for them. I enjoy golf and just hanging out and enjoying our little piece of paradise here in Oliver. HERALD: Do you miss being an MLA? BARISOFF: I don’t miss the plane rides going back and forth to Victoria — that’s for sure. I do miss the camaraderie among fellow MLAs. I have been very fortunate to have created some lifelong friendships throughout my 17 years in office. HERALD: Did you enjoy campaigning? BARISOFF: I was very fortunate to have excellent campaign managers and teams. To this day I cannot thank them enough for all that they did.
HERALD: During your time in government from 2001-2013, what accomplishment were you proudest of?
BARISOFF: Well, there are many. Some of the highlights would be the new high schools in Penticton and Oliver. The skateboard park in Penticton. The South Okanagan Event Center in Penticton. The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence. Major projects take a long time to fruition. For instance, my good friend Rick Thorpe did the ground work for the widening of Highway 97 from Summerland to Peachland, which opened on my watch. Myself, along with a lot of the doctors and staff of the Penticton Regional Hospital, pushed hard for the new tower. I am very pleased to see that MLA Dan Ashton was able to carry it over the goal line. I am looking forward the grand opening of the Dave Kampe Tower.
HERALD: What would you have liked to have achieved that you didn’t during your time in office?
BARISOFF: I tried hard, but was never successful at getting the highway straightened by the rock bluff at Vaseaux Lake.
HERALD: Your party lost power in 2017. What, in your opinion, went wrong in that election for the BC Liberals?
BARISOFF: There does seem to be a disconnect between the rural part of the province and the Lower Mainland. British Columbians seem to believe that after so many years in power change is inevitable no matter how good of a job you have been doing.
HERALD: You backed Mike De Jong, but do you have confidence in Andrew Wilkinson?
BARISOFF: Absolutely. I think Andrew Wilkinson would make an excellent premier for British Columbia.
HERALD: What, in your opinion, do the BC Liberals need to do to win back power?
BARISOFF: Getting good candidates in all the ridings and understanding the differences between the Lower Mainland and rural British Columbia while maintaining a strong focus on the economy of the province. Jobs.
HERALD: How will you be voting in the proportional representation referendum and why?
BARISOFF: I will be voting no to proportional representation. Over time, I strongly believe that rural British Columbia will slowly but surely lose a lot of their say in government. Fringe parties will have the ability to take control which I believe will do nothing for good governance, whether you’re a B.C. Liberal or a B.C. NDP.
HERALD: There is an election on Oct. 20. Have you ever considered a political comeback?
BARISOFF: I admire those who put their name forward, but no, I have no desire to re-enter politics.
HERALD: Nova Scotia recently did away with school boards. As a former chairman of the school board and Minister of Education, do you feel that model would work in B.C.?
BARISOFF: No, I believe that school boards are the basis for local representation and provide the best communication between communities and government. Enrolment in B.C. schools is almost five times greater than in Nova Scotia and we are a more diverse province.
HERALD: What advice do you give to aspiring candidates in the upcoming municipal election?
BARISOFF: The best advice I can give is to make sure you are running for the right reasons. Make sure you are making informed decisions because you are representing the daily lives of the people in your community.