Why you? What unique traits do you bring?
I’ve lived in the South Peace for over 20 years, and the Peace Region for 30 years. I’ve seen how our quality of life is slowly degrading with rampant crime, excessive drug use, tent encampments, etc. I made a choice that I could either “check out” or engage in the political process to make things better.
I own my own business with numerous employees, lots of equipment, and a large office building. I know how difficult it is to put bread on the table, and I’ve experienced the difficulty of saving for retirement. I have spent a great deal of time looking for efficiencies in my business, and would like to use this experience at the provincial government level.
Why is health care such a big issue in the Northeast? What needs to be done, here and provincially?
Health care is in crisis, ERs are closing, and access to medical care is becoming more complex. We have a physician who lives in Dawson Creek but travels just across the Alberta border to practice because his credentials are not recognized here. We would work with the College of Physicians and Surgeons to streamline the recognition of credentials and remove unnecessary barriers.
The health care system needs to be overhauled. It simply does not work efficiently in its present form. One reform that will be implemented is an increased partnership with non-government services. We would establish a “Patient First” model. If a patient needs a medical procedure and the public system is unable to deliver it, then the patient would have the option to seek treatment elsewhere AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. This policy has proven very effective in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec.
What role does metallurgical coal mining play in the economic mix for the province?
Mines are critical to the BC economy. They provide good-paying jobs, and BC has the potential to be a world-class mining province. The tax revenue from the Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd mines has paid for the quality of life in South Peace. We can be a world Mining Superpower. Our goal would be to have a “One permit—One project” approach. At present, there are 16 critical mineral mine projects proposed for the province. All are stalled in redundant regulatory red tape. We need to streamline this process and get these projects off the desk.
Are regulations around industrial development and resource extraction (logging, mining, etc) getting too onerous? Where is the balance between conservation and extraction?
As an environmental engineer, I have spent my professional life dealing with environmental issues in all resource extraction industries. There have been significant improvements over the last twenty years, but more needs to be done to hold companies accountable for their projects. The BC Conservatives will have as a cornerstone a “You build it—You clean it principle.”
Businesses are finding associated costs with doing business are going up and becoming unreasonable. What sort of relief do you see for small businesses?
The BC Conservatives will cut the small business tax in half.
In addition, we have promised to commit to cutting unnecessary and redundant regulations by 25%. This will provide an economic incentive for small businesses to start in the province.
There was talk a few years’ ago about needing to bring in miners to staff the new mine; while that hasn’t happened, there are a lot of businesses that are needing to bring in Temporary Foreign Workers. What is the balance between finding local workers vs allowing businesses to bring in people from outside the province or country, just to be able to survive?
This issue requires cooperation with the federal government. The federal Conservatives have announced they will work with the BC Conservatives to make the province prosperous again. We know that immigration, taxation, skills development, and education are all part of the solution.
Why are we seeing bigger, more frequent forest fires and floods in this area? What can be done at a governmental level to help mitigate this?
As the climate continues to change, we need to ensure that our infrastructure can withstand these conditions.
One of the biggest concerns I hear is that the provincial government refuses to use local skills, equipment, and knowledge. We would ensure that local resources are identified, trained, and engaged as soon as a natural disaster strikes.
What do you think are the most important issues facing the people of Tumbler Ridge?
Tumbler Ridge is facing many issues that need immediate address: highway maintenance, support for the local clinic, senior access to in-home care, and more. Tumbler Ridge has terrific people who have made the “system” work. It’s time we provide the support they have requested for many years.
What role does the northeast play on a provincial stage?
A major role. Mining, forestry, natural gas, and hydroelectric dams are powerhouses of revenue for the province. We live in one of the province’s most beautiful and pristine areas, which must be promoted at a provincial level.
You get elected, but are in the minority. How do you represent the people of the Northeast?
The most recent polls show that there will be a solid Conservative Government. The NDP’s talk of a “Minority” government is a talking point, and they are trying to scare the population into voting for them. The voters are far too smart to fall for this line.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
