Shirley Bond and Mike Morris have given great service to their ridings. They are recognized for their abilities and dedication to the important cabinet ministries they administer in our B.C. government. Bond has served as deputy premier, highways minister, solicitor general and, most recently, as minister of jobs, tourism and skills training and minister of labour.
Morris had a 32-year career in the RCMP, retired in 2005 as superintendent of North District.
Morris in 2015 was appointed minister of public safety and solicitor general. He was born in Quesnel, served his RCMP career in northern communities and lived in Prince George for 20 years.
Who else would know our people and the potential of our area, the importance of our industries and solutions to our needs?
Bond was born, raised and lives in Prince George. Her service to our community as school board trustee helped her understand funding priorities for school construction from Mackenzie to Valemount. She understands the importance of having co-ordination and co-operation between the school systems, the College of New Caledonia and our UNBC. Her responsibility for job skills training is shown by the reconstruction of the training facilities now underway at CNC and the expanded training courses now offered.
We are indeed fortunate to have people like Shirley and Mike willing to take time away from their families and personal lives too help better their communities.
The all-candidates forum at UNBC was well conducted with helpful guidelines to those attending and the moderator, Gary Wilson's time limits for speakers.
Site C dam was a hot topic for the Green Party and the NDP, both Hilary Crowley and Bobby Deepak criticizing the $8 billion cost, lack of consultation and future power needs. Morris compared the 300-mile-long Williston Lake as a battery, a reservoir already powering the Bennett Dam, the second lower dam available for the Site C.
Morris, also, stated Site C has already had the longest consultation and studies of any dam. Some 15 years at least. The Green Party is probably aware of proposals to dam the Stikine River in northwest B.C. for Hydro power have been considered - dam a free running river? I hope not. The lower Fraser was also proposed at one time.
Site C at $8 billion is a lot of money!
However the Canadian government and the B.C. government have recently announced
$2 billion each, totalling $4 billion to improve transit in the Greater Vancouver area serving that area of the province only.
The Peace River dams and Site C will serve all of B.C. and help encourage more industry and jobs to central and northern B.C.
I admire all candidates for participating in politics and representing the party of their choice, that's what makes democracy and freedom of speech work.
The B.C. Liberal Party under the dynamic leadership of Premier Christy Clark and her team have served B.C. well over her term.
She has an inspiring vision and solid platform for our provinces future. Please make time to vote!
I urge you to keep our area well represented. Vote Shirley Bond and Mike Morris!
Howard Lloyd,
MLA 1975-79
