Who is Dan Grice

I was born in BC, and grew up in the Fraser Valley. I'm a lawyer who has lived in Chilliwack for 11 years since graduating from Law School in Winnipeg in 2013. My law practice is a solicitor, meaning that I handle real estate transactions, estates, draft wills, and incorporate businesses. By day, my job requires me to follow legislation passed in B.C, so that I can assist my clients in navigating complex regulatory regimes or advised families on succession planning and tax consequences. I'm an independent thinker who focusses on the best policies and not partisan politics.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, I worked in technology sales and worked with a family's software company. I was highly active in democratic reform (working on all three electoral reform campaigns in BC) and co-authored a paper for Elections Canada on how to make electronic voting safe and secure. My undergraduate degree at UBC focused on the history of democratic systems in ancient Greece and Rome.

While I followed politics for many years, it was the NDP's decisions to rush through a bill to abolish the law society that spurred me to put my name forward as an Independent candidate this election. I believe in professional independence, and BC need more politicians who put their ridings and constituents first and listen to experts to make informed decision. I know my clients and colleagues will deeply miss me if elected, but I felt that this was a pivotal issue that I needed to speak up on.

Nor do I feel the BC Conservative Party with their threats to muzzle teachers, fire public health officers, and cut environmental initiatives would offer a true alternative that protected the rights of British Columbians.

Beyond work, I'm a father of two daughters in Chilliwack schools and partner to a small business owner. I'm concerned with public safety and thefts from small business, as well as the safety of our schools. However, I also know that "tough on crime" rhetoric or "parents rights" are the wrong approaches to solve problems. We need comprehensive solutions that recognize mental health and housing insecurity are behind most of the criminal problems.

As for schools, our teachers are professionals dealing with students who are growing up in a world of tablets and TikTok. I will continue to support the excellent teachers in the Chilliwack School District and oppose unfounded attacks on their ability to teach age appropriate curriculum. As a parent, I am happy to be involved in my children's schooling, but don't think my personal views or those of other parents should be given any veto over public school curriculum. I also fully support parents who feel then need to home school their children.

I have the right skills to be an excellent MLA. I can read and understand legislation and know how to explain complex rules to the public. I understand how government decisions can affect development, business, and regular individuals and how important it is to listen to the concerns and needs of people you are helping. I'm informed, educated and passionate about the issues that affect Chilliwack (and East Abbotsford).