5 candidates in the Cariboo Prince George riding gathered Wednesday in front of a packed house to discuss very specific local issues.
Right off the bat, candidates were grilled on how they would prevent another disaster like the one at the Mt. Polley mine.
Independent Sheldon Clare wants to scrutinize companies hoping to develop BC’s resources in the future…
“Once a corporate tax break has been set, why not think about having penalties assessed for bad corporate behaviour, and corporate tax breaks provided for good behaviour?”
New Democrat Trent Derrick suggested investing in research, development, and re-funding inspectors, while Liberal Tracy Calogheros says the government needs to look at a triple bottom line.
The Green’s Richard Jaques says the feds have to re-instate regulations on waterways, and Adam de Kroon wants to see polluting companies fined.
Several City Councillors were also in attendance, with Councillor Garth Frizzell taking to the mic to ask candidates about their plans for local infrastructure.
The Green Party’s Richard Jaques wants to allocate 2 percent of the GST to fund 6.4 billion dollars in civic upgrades.
New Democrat Trent Derrick is in favour of taking an extra cent from the gas tax to put 1.5 billion dollars towards infrastructure each year.
Liberal Tracy Calogheros took a very different stance in the face of Canada’s current recession…
“Money is cheap in a recession. It’s the time to borrow. Justin Trudeau has been honest in saying that we’re going to run minor deficits. I can’t believe I’m saying a $10 billion deficit is a minor number, but when you look at that in comparison to our GDP and our total economy, it isn’t even material.”
Independant Sheldon Clare says he will serve as a watchdog to ensure funding models will meet municipal needs, and the Christian Heritage Party’s Adam de Kroon wanted to see the focus on Canada’s highways- particularly when it comes to four-laning.
Bill C-51 will be the hot topic at the next forum on October 7th at CNC, while a forum looking to delve deeper into First Nation’s issue will take place at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre on October 13th.