Question 1: Why should young people able to vote for the first time in this election support you and your party?
Young people will find that the B.C. Greens platform is designed for future generations. We are committed to sustaining our natural resources for the benefit of generations yet to come.
We will implement needs based grants for post secondary students. We will offer tax forgiveness up to $2,000/year up to five years to assist students to repay tuition debt. We will invest $65 million over four years for co-op and work experience programs.
For these and other reasons, young people should vote B.C. Greens.
Question 2: What are the major issues in education in your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
The major issues in education are lack of School Distric 57 election ability for Mackenzie residents.
Too many primary schools closed, eroding the viability of some small communities.
The Green Party will invest in early childhood education, up to 25 hours free per week for three-and four-year-olds. We will increase funding for public schools at $220 million and rising to $1.46 (billion) in 2020/21 to prepare students for the emerging economy and to invest in innovation and technology.
Question 3: What are the major issues affecting the aboriginal residents of your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
So many decisions are made affecting First Nations without consulting them first. Site C is a case in point. First Nations communities most affected are totally opposed to this development. We should be abiding by the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations instead of continuing to trample on their rights. Kemess Mine has done the right thing by altering their plan of an open face mine due to First Nations environmental concerns and changed it to a below ground mine.
They have come to an agreement with First Nations that they will benefit from the tax revenue. All such decisions should be made with First Nations consultations right from the start.
First Nations health and education and poverty are also local issues that must be addressed. We will introduce a guaranteed income to bring people out of poverty. We will ensure high standards of education and health in First Nations communities through initiatives to improve nutrition and physical activity for disease prevention and use of technology.
Question 4: What are the major environmental issues affecting your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
Clean air and water must be protected. Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced, not only by consumers but also by fugitive emissions at source. Our forests are our greatest natural resource which absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen for the benefit of humans and wildlife. We must ensure that our timber is harvested in a sustainable manner. Local communities must benefit from this resource. Corporations should not be reaping all the profits from our forests. The Green Party would strengthen the Environmental Assessment process to make sure they are overseen independently rather than by a corporate entity.
Question 5: What are the major health issues affecting your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
There are many health issues including cancer, diabetes, allergies, obesity, arthritis. Much of this can be alleviated by prevention of disease through physical activity throughout life and locally grown nutritious food. There will always be a need for acute care but it is important we put more emphasis into prevention of disease.
Question 6: What are the major economic issues affecting your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
Although B.C. is considered an economically prosperous province, there are still too many people living in poverty. We will introduce a living wage to alleviate this problem.
For affordable homes, we will stop speculation in the real estate market and keep housing affordable. We will protect existing social housing and reduce operating costs by investing $100 million per year in retrofits and renovations of older units.
