Former Global B.C. newscaster Randene Neill nominated for B.C. NDP

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Randene Neill, a familiar face who worked as a broadcast journalist at Global B.C. for almost two decades, has been nominated to run for the B.C. NDP in the riding of Powell River-Sunshine Coast.

In a news release Saturday, the NDP called Neill a “community champion” who vows to “put people’s needs ahead of powerful interests.”

Neill now lives with her family in the community of kalpilin (Pender Harbour) on the Sunshine Coast. She volunteers with the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society and previously helped out with Atira Housing Society, Turning Point Recovery Society and the B.C. SPCA.

The SPCA connection may ring bells for TV news watchers. Years back, Neill went viral on Global’s noon news broadcast when she was mauled with love by a pit bull on set.

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She was also known for her rapport with sports anchor Squire Barnes.

Neill hosted the morning, noon and late-night shows between 2002 and 2016, before leaving to become a consultant. She joined Global B.C. in mid 1990s, first as a news writer/reporter, then a producer and host.

Neill’s first hosting gig came by chance when Jennifer (Mather) Burke fell ill suddenly.

Neill said her candidacy was about making housing more affordable, fighting the effects of global inflation and rising interest rates, and delivering health care better and sooner.

“Housing costs are expensive across Canada, around the world, and here at home in Powell River and the Sunshine Coast. It’s why people living here need a government on their side looking out for them,” said Neill.

Neill said she’s happy to join Premier David Eby’s team addressing those issues.

The riding of Powell River-Sunshine Coast has been held by the B.C. NDP’s Nicholas Simons for the past five elections. Simons revealed last September that he would not run for re-election.

Neill touted the NDP’s efforts in her riding since they took power in 2017, including cracking down on short-term rentals and introducing a speculation tax, as well as easing approvals to get 300,000 new homes built in B.C.

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