As the B.C. provincial elections approach on October 19, mayors from the Nechako Lakes communities are sharing their views on key issues that need to be addressed by the next provincial representative.
They also expressed concerns about the lack of accountability resulting from candidates not engaging with constituents and their absence from bipartisan forums in the riding. Here are the mayors鈥� responses to questions posed by Black Press Media:
Given the challenges of mill closures, the healthcare crisis, housing development, and the lack of industry in the Nechako Lakes riding, what are the primary concerns you, as Mayor, have for your municipality that you would like the next elected MLA to focus on?
Vanderhoof Mayor Kevin Moutray: Tenure reform is at the top of the list. Tenures were given out under appurtenancy with the timber tied to a specific mill. That was removed over a decade ago so timber can move anywhere and we see mills starved for economically viable timber struggling. The government should take back tenure at the same price it was originally distributed for and reallocate to BC mills from the multinationals.
Health care is huge issue. Last time I checked Northern Health had 21 vacant positions in Vanderhoof. I would like the MLA to work with us, Northern Health, CNC, and others to come up with local solutions to get those positions filled.
Housing again needs to be local solutions. A lot of the policies are aimed at the lower mainland and really don鈥檛 address the issues we are having in rural northern BC.
亚洲天堂 Lake Mayor Henry Wiebe: I would say housing and health care need to be improved to make everything else work. Without adequate housing and services, it is difficult to attract and retain qualified staff to maintain the services that we need.
Mill closers are a concern for every community that depends on the lumber industry to survive.
I would like to see our MLA take a good look at the Major licensees. The licencing system we have in B.C. needs a complete overhaul. The provincial Government needs to stop letting big business dictate what they do. We need to take back local control of the fiber that is left in the basket.
Houston Mayor Shane Brienen: For the region we would like to see the major focus be on mill closures. Over the last ten years we have lost thousands of good paying forestry jobs in the Nechako Lakes. We would like to see the tenure stay with communities. Local logs local jobs. We would also like to see expansion of community forests for communities and first nations, as well as quicker response on forest fires using local people and local knowledge on fires. More sustainable forestry practices as we navigate the mid term timber supply. We would also like to have help with diversification. We feel we have a lot of opportunity in the region as we have a lot of hydro power in the region, access to rail, availability of industrial land and water plus a lot of hardworking people. Specifically for Houston there is still a lot of volume available in our timber supply area and would like to see a buyer and a sawmill rebuild at our Houston mill.
Fraser Lake Mayor Sarrah Storey: My primary concerns for Fraser Lake revolve around fostering a sustainable community that can thrive regardless of industrial fluctuations. It is essential to prioritize long-term management and enhancement of our community forest. Our forests not only provide job opportunities but also play a critical role in wildfire protection and supporting the forest ecosystem. Our Community Forest is an active participant in utilizing forestry techniques that support sustainable harvesting practices like commercial thinning, spacing projects, and ecosystem restoration. For Fraser Lake to achieve sustainability, we must diversify our economic base while increasing the availability of incomes that can support families within community. To retain and attract professionals across various sectors from teachers to doctors we need to create a robust framework for positive community growth. This includes establishing an assisted living facility, enhanced childcare options, supporting local businesses, addressing infrastructure deficits, creating new economic development opportunities and advocating and supporting solutions for quicker education and training for healthcare professionals. It also vital to have leadership that acknowledges the importance of the Northwest Benefits Fund Agreement and recognize the full potential of our community in the overall economic impact it has to the Province as a whole. In light of the challenges posed by forestry shutdowns, having an MLA who actively listens and engages with constituents is crucial. Regular communication and collaboration can lead to effective solutions that address our community鈥檚 needs.
Granisle Mayor Linda McGuire: As a small community with a senior demographic of 70 per cent, the continuing focus needs to be on affordability including housing, food, and a specific focus on long term sustainability in health care, including extended services (aging in place) programs.
We are seeing a trend of non-participation with two out of three candidates opting to not attend forums hosted by the Chambers across the riding. How does the absence of the Green party candidate Douglas Gook and incumbent MLA John Rustad from the all candidates forum affect the representation of Nechako Lakes constituents? In your view, what does the decision to skip the all-candidates forum say about the candidates鈥� accountability to the electorate?
Moutray: This is a huge blow to accountability. I鈥檝e never seen an election before where candidates have not shown up to engage the public. That probably won鈥檛 change if elected.
I think the lack of attendance by both candidates is really disappointing. This is the resident鈥檚 chance to understand their platform, their commitment, and how ready they seem for the job. Being MLA should be a huge role in a community and if you鈥檙e not there ready to answer questions will you be there in the community once elected. It also seems like you might be hiding something or worried about what you will say.
Wiebe: An all-candidates forum is probably the only place that a constituent will be able to ask the hard questions of the candidates. Choosing not to attend takes away the ability for the voter to participate in the discussion.
Brienen: Its very disappointing to see candidates choose to not take part in all candidates meetings. I feel it鈥檚 a very important part of the election process and a great opportunity for voters to ask questions and meet candidates.
Storey: We seek leaders who are present, who inquire about our pressing issues, and who are committed to finding ways to assist. Regarding the trend of non-participation among candidates in forums hosted by local Chambers, it is important to consider how this reflects on their accountability to the electorate. In today鈥檚 political climate, some may hesitate to face public scrutiny. However, it remains vital for constituents to have opportunities to engage with their leaders and ask important questions. The absence of candidates from forums can impact the representation of Nechako Lakes constituents. It sends a message about engagement and priorities. Candidates must remember that they are seeking to represent this riding, and their presence is essential in fostering a dialogue that reflects the interests and concerns of the electorate.
McGuire: For those organizing all candidate forums, it is important to understand considerable time and effort has been on-going for several months behind the scenes to schedule candidates throughout the province in various locations. While candidates may want to attend, short notice forums or spur of the moment meetings may not be possible. While disappointing to voters, it is understandable given the extremely busy schedule all candidates are facing in the final days leading up to the election.
