Lord God, who rules with justice and grace, we appeal to You on behalf of MLA: Nicholas Simmons who represents Powell River-Sunshine Coast. His concern for the First Nations is very apparent so we pray that in the legislature he will continue to stress those matters that will bring help, wisdom and healing to those First Nations Communities needing assistance. He is also deeply committed to the youth of our province. Give him fresh vision as he works to bring in his solutions for those individuals, groups and places that he has observed are needing assistance with various youth initiatives. We also pray a special blessing for him that his energy shall be renewed day by day. In the name of our Lord and Saviour, we pray. Amen.
Nicholas Simons was re-elected as MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast in May 2013, for a third term.
Nicholas serves as Opposition Critic for Agriculture.
Nicholas spent over 15 years working in the areas of health, justice, social services and child welfare. He served as the Director of Health and Social Development for the Sechelt Nation from 1997 until his election in 2005.
In his role as director with the Sechelt Nation he oversaw public health, child welfare, alcohol and drugs, financial assistance, and justice programs. He negotiated funding for innovative preventative health and social services which led to a dramatic reduction in adversarial child welfare intervention, and improvements in health outcomes in all age groups.
Prior to his employment with the band, he worked as a child-protection social worker for the Ministry for Children and Families in Sechelt and North Vancouver. He has worked as researcher and consultant for the federal government, Northwest Territories, British Columbia and First Nations governments in areas including law reform, child welfare, legal education and crime prevention.
Nicholas has taught criminology, in which he has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa and a master’s from SFU. He has taught child protection to social workers based in First Nations communities. His 2004 review of the death of a Port Alberni toddler, and the controversy surrounding the report, led to the Hughes Report and significant changes in the child welfare system in British Columbia.
Nicholas has been active in the arts community as a cello teacher, performer, and session musician. He has played with local, national and international artists and ensembles and has two gold records. He is a former president of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council, and the founder and editor of the Lower Langdale Tattler, a limited-circulation satirical newspaper.
Nicholas has served as the chair of the Social Policy Committee of Caucus, on the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, and as the longest-serving member of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth. Nicholas has also served as the Opposition critic for tourism, sport and the arts; human rights, immigration and multiculturalism; the Ministry for Children and Family Development; and Community Living B.C.