BC Southern Interior incumbent MP Alex Atamanenko campaigned in the Lower Similkameen on Tuesday, April 5.
The NDP candidate for the Similkameen Valley is well known in the region, having made regular appearances in the valley over the past few years.
Atamanenko spoke to the Review about local federal issues last week.
Review: What do you see yourself being able to do for the residents of the Lower Similkameen that distinguishes you from the other candidates?
Atamanenko: I’d zero in on the GM issue. As a matter of fact, I will be attending the Organic Growers Institute meeting in Cawston tonight. I’ve been fighting this issue nationally, working towards a moratorium on genetically modified organisms.
Locally, we have the prospect of a genetically modified apple - we have to work to make sure that doesn’t happen.
This is one area where I will be zeroing in on specifically - trying to prevent contaminated apples or alfalfa from getting into our food supplies.
Review: This riding - BC Southern Interior - has traditionally been a closely contested riding. What do you think will be the key issue that will sway the voters in your favour this time around?
Atamanenko: The key issue is trust. Can we trust Harper?
Clearly he is in violation of parliament, in terms of confidence with the Canadian people - this is the first time there has been a verdict of contempt of Parliament.
We have the Bev Oda scandal, we are finding the government hasn’t been up front with cost figures for the jet fighters and prisons, and the Carson affair keeps cropping up.
With our party is a leader we can trust. Look at other issues - Afghanistan, for instance - we had been told we would be out of there by 2011, and we are still there.
Can we trust Harper to renegotiate health care in 2014?
I’m also running on my record - I pride myself on being able to work with all levels of government, no matter who the party is.
Walter (Keremeos Mayor) and I have a good working relationship.
As I said, I will be working on the issue of food sovereignty. The continuing work on GMO’s is part of a big movement, and there are a lot of people here in this valley that are involved in it.
Review: How do you feel about the most recent government’s stance on your private members bill regarding GE seeds? (Bill C474)
Atamanenko: I’m disappointed. It shows what power the major corporations have.
The biotech companies show a blatant disregard for the democratic process, but this bill has shaken up the establishment somewhat. The Liberals voted against the bill, but the Liberal agricultural critic has since made a motion for a moratorium on GE alfalfa.
The issue is not going to go away. There are also rumblings from the Liberals to bring labelling back. Times are changing, and ultimately the public will decide these things.
Review: What is your position on the National Park?
Atamanenko: I have been trying to facilitate a dialogue between Parks Canada and other stakeholders in the issue. Lately, Canada Parks has been quiet, although I have heard that they are working with local ranchers and the Lower Similkameen Band.
I understand that there is still a lot of opposition among local ranchers, and the helicopter company is still opposed.
I don’t live in the area - although I support the National Park in principle, in order to be successful, it must have the support of the local population.
Many people still have concerns that need to be addressed. I have requested a meeting between Greg Norton and Parks Canada and myself for an update because we don’t know what the latest Parks Canada proposals are.
I’m not prepared to say yes or no at this point. People here need to be able to express their view, and we don’t have all the information right now.
Review: What are your thoughts on the recent International Joint Commission talks with the Americans, who are indicating they want to renegotiate international water treaties with an eye to measuring flow rates as opposed to lake levels?
Atamanenko: We shouldn’t make any arguments that would be detrimental to this valley. Shankers Bend is an example - we need to make it clear that flooding of the valley is not an option.
The federal government’s position so far has been to acknowledge it and say they are watching it - there has been no definite position stated, although I have been asking for it. It has been below the radar for the last while.
Review: How would you, pre-emptively or otherwise, protect Canadian interests with respect to the current interest Washington has in building Shankers Bend dam?
Atamanenko: Any negotiated treaty has to be fair to us or it won’t happen. The Americans are our neighbours, and we need to cooperate, but we can’t give away our rights either.
The federal government needs to make a clear statement stating their case - I’ve been pushing for it but so far there has been no letter saying flooding will not be allowed.
I would like to push that forward along with other interest groups in the next government.