As part of our B.C. election coverage the Penticton Western News asked candidates to submit a bio about themselves, why they are running and what is the most important issue in the Penticton riding.
Dan Ashton moved to Penticton in the mid 1950’s then relocated to Trout Creek in 1963 where he resides today with his wife Monique, son Coleton and daughter Chantal.
After graduating from Summerland Secondary and attending university, he returned home to work in the family’s retail business. Elected to Penticton City Council in 1999 he served three terms, later becoming Mayor in 2008 and 2011. Dan also served 10 years as chair of the RDOS and four years as trustee of the Municipal Finance Authority.
Dan was elected as the MLA for Penticton-Peachland in 2013 and appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Core Review and then as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance in 2014. He serves on the Finance Committee, is a member of the Treasury Board and also the Public Accounts Committee.
Never forgetting who he represents, Dan has been very instrumental in the expansion of the Penticton Regional Hospital and the new funding to keep Trout Creek and West Bench schools open. Also, he has been involved in the ongoing creation of approximately 200 units of Family, Seniors and Affordable housing units in the riding. He has also facilitated the delivery of over $9 million in funding for local organizations.