The Cariboo-Prince George NDP federal candidate has been revealed.
Heather Sapergia will be up against candidates Tracy Calogheros (Liberal), Mackenzie Kerr (Greens) and Jing Lan Yang (People's Party) for the upcoming federal election on Oct. 21, 2019.
She says she's been asked many times why she has decided to run at this time in her life.
"I believe my values are the values of our NDP party," she said at her official nomination announcement this afternoon (July 29).
Sapergia outlined many proposed actions she would take if elected, including Indigenous reconciliation, abortion, universal health care and addiction.
"It is essential that we acknowledge Indigenous people exist," she says. "Or else, how can we begin the process of reconciliation? We all need to hear and listen and act for the better."
When it comes to abortions, Sapergia outlined an experience she had while a student working at a hospital as a medical laboratory technology student. The experience changed her mindset when it comes to women's reproductive rights."A young woman had an illegal abortion and died in a most distressing way," she says. "If elected as your MP, I will make sure abortion services are available to all women."
Her involvement in the community is not unrecognized as she has worked with RCMP Victims Services, organized summer camps, organized lunch programs and worked with the Prince George Cycling and Rod and Gun Clubs.
"For over 30 years, I have coordinated a hot lunch program, once a month, for clients at St. Vincent de Paul," she says. "I have learned some valuable life lessons while there."
Sapergia recounted one particular interaction at St. Vincent de Paul.
She says she had brought some apples to lunch but wondered why nobody was eating them.
"I asked one of the guests, 'How come no one is taking these apples? She looked at me pityingly. 'My dear,' she said, 'most of us don't have teeth.'"
This is another point of her campaign, universal pharmacare but also dental and vision care coverages.
"Maybe, maybe we can make this happen," she says. "So then maybe there won't be more stories like this one."
Another core issue for Sapergia is ensuring those with addictions are recognized as human beings.
"I am pledging to work to improve our response to those who have addictions," she says. "We all need the same things. Recognition, health care, stable housing, Nutritious food and love."
The other area of her campaign focuses is industry and jobs. She says the downfall of forestry struggles and mill closures proves that government needs to support services and communities.
"We are struggling here in central B.C. with an escalating number of mill closures," she adds. "We need to support and enhance our community with good jobs, with infrastructure and services."
