The Honourable Mary Polak

BC Liberal Women's Network MLA Feature – Mary Polak
1.    What has been your greatest professional challenge?

Trying to balance good policy and good politics is a constant challenge. The political overlay makes the work of a political leader unique.

2.    What is your greatest area of opportunity?

I think I can often be underestimated. That has given me many opportunities to move files forward without drawing a lot of attention. That’s usually the best opportunity to succeed with difficult initiatives.

3.    What are you most passionate about? What gets you up in the morning and into the office?

It sounds corny, but it’s the belief that we CAN have good government. I have very strong views with respect to the appropriate roles of politicians and civil servants. When people are operating effectively in those roles, democracy becomes really exciting!

4.    Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I’d like to be working internationally with indigenous people. On the other hand, I’ve never been correct when I predict these things

5.    Where do you see the province in 10 years?

If we can capture the opportunities presented by Asia’s desire for our natural resources, we will see economic development that raises the standard of living in all regions of our province.

6.    If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Lawrence of Arabia

7.    If you could give your younger self (say 10 years ago) one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be patient – life is always changing

8.    What do you love most about your job? What do you love least?

Most – I have access to people with amazing knowledge from whom I can learn all manner of things

Least – Having to deal with perceptions rather than fact. People say they want a politician to make the right decisions without considering politics, they don’t really mean that