Dan Brooks
| Dan Brooks | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader of the British Columbia Conservative Party | |
|
In office April 12, 2014 – February 20, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | John Cummins |
| Succeeded by | TBD |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
July 6, 1975 Vanderhoof, British Columbia |
| Spouse(s) | Ellen Smith |
| Residence | Vanderhoof, British Columbia |
| Profession | Guide Outfitter, Politician |
| Religion | Mormon [1] |
Daniel Brooks (born July 6, 1975) is a Canadian politician and small business owner in British Columbia, Canada. He was the leader of the British Columbia Conservative Party from 2014 to 2016.[2]
Early life
Dan Brooks was born in Vanderhoof, British Columbia to Fred and Carolyn Brooks. Growing up the Brooks family split their time between Vanderhoof, where they ran Crystal Lake Resort as guide outfitters, and their family farm in Alberta. In 1997 Brooks relocated permanently to Vanderhoof, where he became the sole owner-operator of Crystal Lake Resort, which he expanded from strictly guiding to include marketing and consulting services. Brooks and his wife Ellen have 7 daughters, one of whom is an adopted First Nations girl.
Missionary service
Brooks served a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in Fresno California from 1995 to 1997.
Education
Before taking up residence in northern B.C., Brooks attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and subsequently studied at the University of Waterloo and at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George to obtain the final credits towards his degree. He took courses in history and tourism management, among others, and in 2005 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies.
Tourism advocate
In 2005 Brooks founded and subsequently chaired the Upper Nechako Wilderness Council (UNWC), which became the voice for tourism operators in the Vanderhoof area. He was well known as a vocal advocate of tourism issues and was successful in several initiatives in land use planning. He remained chair of the UNWC for 8 years until going into politics.
Politics
In the 2013 BC provincial election, Brooks ran as the BC Conservative Party candidate in the Nechako Lakes riding, in which he received 12.6% of the vote. From September 12, 2013 to April 12, 2014, Brooks ran for the party leadership against Rick Peterson, in which he subsequently won with a large majority (60%).[3] On January 4, 2016, Dan Brooks announced he will be stepping down at the party's Annual General Meeting on February 20, 2016 due to family an financial reasons.[4]
Political positions
Rural issues
Brooks has issued on his website that the provincial government has done little to address or solve issues regarding rural depletion in British Columbia, including many closings of schools, forest offices, courthouses, and other public offices.[5]
References
- ↑ 'Conservatives Are for the People': New BCCP Leader
- ↑ Brooks named leader of B.C. Conservatives
- ↑ Brooks named leader of B.C. Conservatives
- ↑ "B.C. Conservative leader resigns". Vancouver Sun. Canadian Press. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
- ↑ Brooks, Dan. "Rebuilding rural British Columbia". Retrieved 11 June 2014.