Last week, the Review asked local candidates a series of questions.
By presstime, we had only received answers from NDP candidate Sam Hancheroff and independent candidate Mischa Popoff.
Following are the responses of the two candidates.
1. What is your party’s position on the national park reserve proposal for the South Okanagan - Similkameen ?
Hancheroff: We need to restart the negotiations to bring all the affected stakeholders together to move this process forward. This is an important project, but one where we need to proceed in a way that addresses the concerns of all of those who make use of the area. My own history in local politics has given me experience with the importance of consensus-building, and listening very carefully to all of our stakeholders before making decisions.
I went with a resident from Osoyoos who took me to a part of what would be the National Park above Osoyoos. I was amazed by the natural beauty, the lakes, the grasslands, and some of the birds present at that time. In my opinion this unique ecosystem is a jewel that absolutely should be protected.
2. Small communities like Keremeos have a difficult time attracting and maintaining small business and government agencies.
What would your government do to help improve commerce in small, isolated communities?
Hancheroff: New Democrats have developed a number measures to support our resource economy through investments in healthy forests, increasing support for agriculture which will promote agri-tourism, as well as promoting sustainable mining and exploration. All these measures will increase commerce in small towns. We plan to establish a “local business first’’ government procurement policy, starting with hospitals and care homes buying locally grown food.
3. What are your party’s commitments to the agriculture industry? What programs would you make available to farmers?
Hancheroff: When it comes to supporting agriculture, local farmers and orchardists will benefit from the three programs proposed by the BC NDP – Grow BC, Buy BC, and Feed BC. Having managed a vineyard for the last twenty years, I have a personal knowledge of many of the issues facing those involved in agriculture and viticulture in this region. These programs will ensure that not only will we sustain the Okanagan Valley’s position as one of the premiere agricultural regions in B.C., we will also market this produce across the country and around the world, and ensure that patients in local hospitals and residents in local care homes are benefiting from the healthy food produced right here, all while supporting the local economy.
4. How will your party encourage the purchase of B.C. agricultural products?
Hancheroff: Two of our new agricultural programs are dedicated to doing just that. By restoring the Buy BC program that was cut by the Liberals, we will help market the wonderful produce from our local orchards in other provinces, and beyond our borders. In addition, our Feed BC program will increase the amount of locally-produced fruits and vegetables used by our hospitals and care homes. This will support the local economy, and will also ensure that patients and residents benefit from healthy, local food.
5. What is your party’s position on the carbon tax?
Hancheroff: As the evidence mounts of the seriousness of climate change, the BC NDP plans to gradually expand the carbon tax to include “venting” emissions from oil and gas operations, and invest a portion of carbon tax revenues to support local and regional transit, green infrastructure, and climate solutions in communities across B.C. We will dissolve the Pacific Carbon Trust to direct levies paid by schools, hospitals, and Crown Corporations back to them to fund energy efficiency upgrades.
6. What is your position on Fortis’ two tiered billing system, i.e. the “conservation rate”?
Hancheroff: As a resident of Kaleden, I know firsthand the effects of the new rate structure brought in by Fortis on those living in the region.
At a public meeting in Oliver, I spoke with a number of seniors who are struggling to make ends meet, and are at the point of being forced to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries. I believe strongly that we need to ensure that no one is left in this situation.
As a first step, I have written to the BC Utilities Commission, asking them to review this rate structure. In particular, I have asked them to focus on the increase in cost for residential rates, the usage level at which the second tier takes effect, and the fact that commercial rates are being reduced by 10 per cent, while residential rates are being increased by a further 2.5 per cent.
7. How should the province fund its heritage sites?
Hancheroff: A BC NDP government recognizes that maintaining heritage sites, like Grist Mill in Keremeos, is an important part of building a strong tourism sector. We support the conservation of the province’s heritage sites and believe that they should receive consistent funding. Changing the funding model for BC heritage sites is not one of the commitments we’ve tabled but should we form government we will meet with stakeholders to discuss ways of protecting B.C.’s heritage sites.