Loving God, we lift the Hon. Nicholas Simons in praise and with thanksgiving as he faithfully and conscientiously serves his riding of Powell River-Sunshine Coast and legislature as Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. May your favour, wisdom, and discernment rest upon him in all areas for which he is responsible and may he bring new innovations to reduce poverty in the province. Please hold the Simons family close to you and keep each family member safe and healthy as they go about their daily business. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Nicholas Simons was first elected MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast in 2005. In 2017 he was elected Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth. 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. 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. Nicholas has also taught criminology, in which he has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa and a master’s from SFU. Nicholas has been active in the arts community as a cello teacher, performer, and session musician and has two gold records. He is a former president of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council.