Question 1: Why should young people able to vote for the first time in this election support you and your party?
When a young person researches the differences across the country in economic performance, job opportunities, benefits, income tax rates and other socio-economic data, they will realize that their future is bright in B.C. Based upon our strong economy, educational opportunities and fiscal track record, there is so much at stake in this election. Every vote, whether it is the first time voting or the 10th, carries the same weight. If a young person believes in protecting B.C.'s economic position, while securing the future, they should vote for the B.C. Liberal Party.
Question 2: What are the major issues in education in your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
The B.C. Liberal party understands that teacher retention is a challenge across the province, but also in Mackenzie. Prior to the writ being dropped, government announced $5 million for teacher retention and additional money for a rural education enhancement fund. We have also committed to review rural school funding to ensure the unique issues facing rural schools are recognized. The residents of Mackenzie have lobbied the school board and government to have one representative from their community as an elected member of School District 57's trustee's. I am committed to working with the Mackenzie school trustees to find a way forward.
Question 3: What are the major issues affecting the aboriginal residents of your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
Economic opportunities and jobs. The Mcleod Lake Indian Band has forestry tenure, logging operations, a sawmill and a construction company that provides the band with significant dividends. I will continue to work with the new chief and council to ensure band members receive the training necessary for employment opportunities in forestry, construction, oil and gas, mining and other areas.
Question 4: What are the major environmental issues affecting your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
We are thankfully at the tail end of the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic that has devastated our pine forests. Salvaging the dead pine has been challenging and the fire hazards related to the dead trees has taken considerable work and effort to address. We are now facing Spruce and Fir Beetles that further impacts the environment and our mid-term timber supply. Aggressive silviculture work in replanting has been ongoing however we need to ensure every effort is made to replant affected areas, and to continue research into controlling pests and reducing their impact on our trees.
Question 5: What are the major health issues affecting your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
We are dependent upon the resource sector in the central interior which involves heavy equipment and rugged working conditions, all with impacts on our physical health. The lack of physiotherapists and other occupational health professions impacts not only on an individual's ability to go to work every day, but the productivity of the workforce. We are also the only health authority in the province without a cardiac centre. We have recently announced some significant improvements to UHNB.C. but my goal is to push for the full modernization of UNHB.C. and for greater access to addictions and mental health treatments.
Question 6: What are the major economic issues affecting your electoral district and what is your plan to address those concerns?
It is just as important for us to ensure our rural areas remain economically viable as it is for the smaller communities themselves. We are fortunate we live at the cross-roads of major provincial highways, a national railway, Hydro transmission lines and pipelines and can take advantage of these assets to attract more investment and economic opportunities.
