My background:
I was born and raised on a farm in northern Alberta and moved to B.C. in 1974. I have a teaching certificate from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a Master of Arts degree in psychology.
On our family farm I drove our herd of cattle to pasture by horseback and picked rocks and roots from the fields by hand. I cleared brush from the roads with an axe and worked on the oil rigs. I fished for salmon off the coast of Prince Rupert and fought fire in Alaska. As a biologist, I studied wildlife in remote parts of western Canada. I survived a mauling by a grizzly bear in 1975.
I was a wilderness tourism guide for seven years and owned my own company. I was assistant to former MLA, Bill Hartley, for eight years in the 1990’s. Prior to being elected to the Legislature in 2005 I was a mental health therapist with New Westminster Mental Health.
I have been active in conservation of the environment and agriculture. My wife, Annette LeBox, and I were the driving forces behind the preservation of Blaney Bog and Codd Island Wetlands regional parks in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. I strongly supported Formosa Nursery and the Laity and Hampton farms in their bid for justice from Translink in the construction of the Abernethy Connector.
I have supported a host of community groups including parents seeking services for their children with special needs, the Child Care Resource and Referral Centre, the Downtown Business Improvement Association, Blue Mountain – Kanaka Creek Conservation Group, KEEPS, the Child, Youth and Family Network, Alouette Homestart Society and the Iron Horse Youth Safe House and many others.
I have worked with the Harris Road Co-op to help them resolve their housing issues. I have advocated for fair treatment for the owners of mobile home parks. I have supported workers left out in the cold by their employer at Extra Foods and Golden Ears Seniors Village.
I have actively supported parents to keep our schools open. I have supported funding locally for flood control, recreational facilities, supportive housing.
I have stood up for seniors on the lack of long term care beds, inadequate home care support and substandard food at our hospital. I exposed the effects locally of Gordon Campbell’s broken promise to provide long term care beds for seniors. I have been a leader in opposing domestic violence such as in the tragic case of Karen Beck.
I was the NDP caucus lead person in defending the Upper Pitt River from a destructive private power project. I have stood up for our provincial parks against commercialization and privatization by the Liberal government.
My MLA office has been open and accessible to all residents of Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows. My capable and friendly staff ensure that all who call or come into my office are treated with the utmost respect. We have helped thousands of residents of Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows with the problems that have confronted them.
It was an honour to be elected to a second term as MLA for Maple Ridge – Pit t Meadows. I look forward to assisting my constituents with issues related to the provincial government. I will carry out my duty as an opposition member of the Legislative Assembly to provide constructive criticism and positive ideas to improve the governance of our province.
Michael Sather, MLA
Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows
