"You need to talk to people;" that is the most important thing you have to do in politics, according to current Langford-Juan de Fuca MLA Ravi Parmar, who is seeking re-election in B.C.'s 2024 provincial election.

That piece of wisdom stays with Parmar, whether he is knocking on people's doors, meeting them in person or out and about in Langford. 

"No matter if you are on the left, right or in the centre," he said. "Because if you go and knock on a door in an apartment building, and you ask some people whether they are on the left side of the spectrum or the right side, they are going to look at you all confused."

Parmar's riding will change slightly, and he will run for re-election in Langford-Highlands. However, he said he would miss the drives to Port Renfrew.

"Sooke and Juan de Fuca, those are incredible communities that face their own unique challenges," he said. But he is looking forward to potentially representing an urban-rural community that has not always had their voices heard at the B.C. legislature. 

"Langford and the Highlands is going to have a full-time voice at the table working hard for them," Parmar said.

Parmar moved to Langford in 2004 when he was in Grade 4, and he recalled how his parents were told moving to Langford would be a big mistake.

"They said there's no one out there. There are so many trees. What are your kids going to do? And all I say is, who is laughing now."

He credits his mentors, John Horgan and Frank Mitchell, with shaping his approach to the community and dealing with people who might not agree with him.

"You look after your neighbours, you look after the people in your community and that is where your work will start," Parmar said.

Parmar would like to see his party tackle the cost-of-living crisis, global inflation, and education if they are re-elected, but he is concerned about what might happen in B.C. if the Conservative Party of British Columbia can form a government. 

"They believe in a health-care system, where if you have access to your credit card, you can cut in front."

Parmar is very aware that he was elected in a byelection and has only been an MLA for a short time, but he feels that serving the community is a fundamental part of who he is. 

"John Horgan used to tell the joke that instead of going out to parties, I would attend school board meetings."

He is a millennial and the youngest MLA in B.C. but hopes to lose that title with this election. 

"I hope someone else comes up because I am heading into my dreaded 30s later this year."

He also admits that he might not be the most polished politician and might not fit into the Hollywood vision that some might expect.

"Am I completely polished? No. Do I drop the occasional F-bomb once in a while when I am upset? Absolutely. Will you see what's in my heart? Absolutely."