The WORD asked candidates the following questions:
1.What do you see as the most important issue facing the people in your riding, and how is your party prepared to deal with it?
2.What personal qualities do you possess which make you the best
qualified candidate in your riding?
3.How specifically would you remain in touch with the citizens of your riding during your term?
4.Where do you and your party stand on BC-STV?

Comox Valley:
Leslie McNabb- NDP-1.Our communities have been hurt hard by the Campbell Liberals. Log exports equalling 25% of the entire tree harvest of Vancouver Island; homelessness increases without proper funding to municipalities to address the crisis; child poverty, the worst in Canada for 5 straight years; the working poor making less than $10.00 per hour while Campbell gives himself a 54% wage increase.
Clearly, the most important issue facing the people of in this constituency is the election. It is whether we are prepared to let Don McRae and Gordon Campbell continue with setting the wrong priorities for our families and our communities.

2. I care. I care about everyone in this constituency. I care about small business, I care about students, teachers, parents and trustees; I care about children and childcare; I care about women struggling to make ends meet working paycheque to paycheque; I care about seniors and healthcare; I care about the arts and about the vibrancy and health of our communities. I will meet with anyone, anytime in this campaign. I will listen to everyone, because my Comox Valley includes everyone.
Don McRae has told voters that he considers folks like those mentioned above are special interest groups and he won’t meet with them during this campaign. It is for these reasons I am the best qualified candidate in this constituency.

3. There are many ways to keep in touch with the constituents. Personal accessibility is paramount. As noted in Question 2, there are stark contrasts between myself and Don McRae. Next, it is important to have communications systems set up. These can take the form of the new technologies or media: websites, e-mails to mailing list-serves; voice messages and the like. Next, acquire an accessible office and hours of operation with skilled staff and volunteers. Take time to meet in the places people go: the market, the community events, the arts exhibits, music festivals. I realize what this job will entail. I have seen the work my mentors have done, and have learned from them all.
I am hopeful that constituents will take full advantage of my accessibility. The more I get to know about the issues in the Comox Valley, the better I can work on their behalf.

4. The BC NDP has been very clear on this issue. The STV is a balloting structure for electoral reform. It was presented as a recommendation by the Citizen’s Assembly, a non-partisan group of citizen’s assigned with a tough task. On May 12th, we will be voting on whether we want to have the STV balloting system or if we want to maintain the current system.
As we respect the work of the Citizen’s Assembly and the efforts they made to present an option to voters, we feel it is not appropriate for the BC NDP to support one side or the other. It may result in political influence over the outcome of the vote and we believe that it is something the voter’s will decide.
Personally, I feel as the party does in that I don’t think it’s appropriate to potentially influence the outcome of the vote.
If STV passes, the BC NDP will honour the outcome of the vote. If it does not pass, we are committed to a form of proportional representation and will look at whether a different model can be presented.

Hazel Lennox- Green Party-
1. The Green Party understands that British Columbians see control of our lives as being a key issue. That means control of our resources, like fish, water, trees, as well as control of our economics. This rich region that we live in should have served us well for hundreds of years, yet due to short-sighted government policies and myopic union vision, it has been devastated within 50 years. Economics should serve the people, rather than the other way round, as at present. It is a given that the environment must be protected; without a liveable planet, there is no economy.
The Green Party agrees with the majority of British Columbians in thinking that economic stability is a vital issue. We are too vulnerable when our economy is controlled by gigantic foreign corporations that see the whole planet - including its people - as a global market to be exploited. The Green Party promotes the flowering of small, locally-owned businesses; one example would be using wood grown locally, felled and milled here to build our own homes.
At present there are homes being built with walls made of scraps of wood and sawdust, held together by toxic glues, while west coast red cedar decks are being built in Florida for the wealthy. These glues off-gas for many years, causing health and brain damage to the inhabitants. There are many skilled foresters living here who could operate sustainable woodlots, and no shortage of carpenters. This would create sustainable employment while providing safe homes expected to remain standing more than 25 years.
Food security is a vital issue; the recent ‘swine flu’ is another result of intensive factory farming of animals. We would promote small, local farms with animals slaughtered locally. Permaculture methods of growing organically would be encouraged by tax incentives and the subsidies presently given to agri-business with its dependency on chemical fertilizers and machines would be channeled to small farming. This would also provide sustainable employment.

2. As a long term Valley resident, I act with integrity and have the good of the Comox Valley at heart, not political power for myself. The Green Party operates from 10 principles, which all Green Parties throughout the world adhere to. Those principles honour the planet and its human and animal inhabitants. Our actions are governed by adhering to those principles.

4. The Green Party supports the Citizens Assembly recommendation for BC STV. This world-wide system would break the strangle-hold of one party policy being foisted on us. The way forward for humanity is through sharing of ideas and coming to the best solution possible.

Don McRae- Liberals-1. After talking to residents during the campaign, I firmly believe that the economy is the most important issue facing people in this riding. People are concerned about their jobs, they are concerned about their investments, and they are concerned for their retirement. People realize that it is important to live within our means and not tax future generations with a massive debt. People understand that the global economic recession is not the fault of the provincial government’s policy, rather it is a result of a global economic recession- particularly in the United States.
During the past eight years while the BC Liberals were in power, strong economic leadership was shown. BC went from being a ‘have not’ province receiving transfer payments from the federal government under the NDP to one of the most vibrant economies in North America under the BC Liberals, with the highest credit rating of any province in Canada.
Since 2001, the BC Liberals introduced over 100 tax cuts for British Columbians, we have the lowest personal income taxes in Canada for resident who earn less than $116 000, we have reduced small business taxes by 44%, and cut corporate taxes by 39%.
Through a combination of fiscal discipline, tax reductions for families and business, and reducing barriers to investment, families are benefiting. During this global economic recession, the BC Liberals will continue to invest in infrastructure projects, maintain a competitive taxation environment, and ensure the province is well positioned to emerge from these economic hard times and reap the benefits for all the citizens of British Columbia.

2. I have the personal qualities needed to be a strong MLA for the Comox Valley. Both as a high school teacher and a municipal politician, I have displayed excellent communication skills. I have proven track record of being a person who works for a win/win scenario, I believe cooperation rather than confrontation can lead to a better outcome. I believe that decisions need to be based on research and facts, not opinion. But what I think will best serve me as the MLA for the Comox Valley, is that I already have experience in dealing with many of the issues that concern the Valley’s residents.
I have been fortunate to have been elected as councillor for three terms for the City of Courtenay. During this time, I have served on many regional committees (e.g. Regional Board, Comox Strathcona Hospital Board, Sewer Committee, Water Committee, Water Commission, and Sports Commission) and this have given me great insight into the needs for all the citizens of the Comox Valley.
I firmly believe that the Comox Valley is a unique place, when the various governments work together it is for the good of all residents. As MLA it is my hope that I can enable both the local governments and the citizens of this riding to ensure that the Comox Valley remain vibrant for generations to come.

3. While serving as MLA there will be many days when I am away serving the residents of the riding in Victoria, it is my intent to spend as much time as possible in the Comox Valley.
As the MLA, it is essential that I am visible in the community. I will continue to visit the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, go to performances at the theatre, shop downtown, and take my daughter to school whenever my schedule allows.
I have a diverse circle of friends and associates that come from all areas of the Comox Valley, be they community, business, environmental, or social leaders, I value their opinions and will continue to seek them out. I want to invite community groups (e.g. resident associations, environmental groups, business leaders) to meet with me and share their concerns and successes.
I want to keep the office of the MLA in its current location. It is run by the province and not a political party. It must have a welcoming culture where all residents of the Comox Valley can come and either arrange a meeting with me or get assistance in dealing with the government.

4. The Citizen’s Assembly on Electoral Reform was created in 2003, the 160 member committee was tasked with making recommendations on an alternative electoral system. In 2004, the Citizen’s Assembly recommended the province adopt the single transferable ballot (STV) electoral system.
Both myself and the BC Liberals are not taking a public stand on the STV vote, it is up to the citizen’s of this province to make the choice. I highly recommend that people do their own research and cast their vote for the system that they feel will best serve the people of British Columbia. The pro side website is www.stv.ca and the con side website is www.nostv.org.

Barb Biley- People’s Front-1. The most important issue, in that it is the underlying issue which blocks people from sorting out any of the problems that we are facing in British Columbia, is the issue of democracy. Right in front of our eyes those in power are engaged in wrecking – of industry, of public health care and education, right down to the privatization of BC rivers. This nation-wrecking is in the service of the annexation agenda of the US. To stop it requires a conscious nation-building project of Canadian working class and its allies. Fundamental to this project is the establishment of modern arrangements whereby the working class and the entire polity participate in discussion and decision-making and we select and elect our peers to represent us in the legislature. Immediate measures must be taken to:
- defend Native land claims and hereditary rights!
- put BC Hydro and all power generation under public control
- re-open the mills under public control to provide materials for social housing and develop value-added production for BC and for export. Stop the export of raw logs.
- prohibit private profit in health care and invest in the training of health care workers to meet the growing need.
- provide funding for housing for all British Columbians.

2. One of the justifications given for the present system which marginalizes the people and considers the producers and providers as unworthy to participate in decision-making is the mythology that politics is a peculiar activity that some ‘suitable’ people should engage in. In the 21st century with socialized production and an educated population, where we depend on one another and the social economy for everything, such medieval notions have no place. Workers should be electing their peers to the legislatures to represent and work for their interests and the interests of the nation. As a health care worker and political activist I want to see the legislature filled with workers, farmers, seniors, students and activists from all walks of life sent by their peers and accountable to their peers.

3. Through constant regular meetings., public forums and discussion in the community, at workplaces, schools, NIC, seniors’ homes, etc. where the issues can be put on the table and solutions proposed for the problems that we face.

4. We support STV because it favours the people and the striving for democracy. This method of voting more accurately reflects the popular will and helps to break the stranglehold of political parties over the process, and increases the possibility that the voters can elect an independent or small party candidate if they so choose.


++North Island++
Philip Stone- Green Party
1. The most important issue in the North Island riding is the same issue as is facing all British Columbians and all citizens of the world - that is the overwhelming need to abandon the growth-driven economy that has fuelled the human population explosion of the past century and the exponential environmental and social damage that accompanies it. Individuals may point to jobs, healthcare, run of river, fish farms and any one of a number of topics but the root cause of problems with each is that our governments have been pursuing a fundamentally flawed economic model, that puts financial ‘growth’ ahead of the well-being of people and our environment, for too long.
We are using up resources faster than the Earth can replace them and in some cases, such as our voracious appetite for fossil fuels, the Earth never will replace what we’ve used. Not only are we using up the once bountiful riches of our world at our children’s expense, we are, in the process, poisoning the very air and water needed to sustain life, including our own.
The imminent approach of peak oil production isn’t receiving anywhere enough attention and yet it’s arrival will spell social upheaval such as humanity has never experienced before if we are not prepared. Will it really matter if there is a 80 or 90 bed hospital in Campbell River if no one can actually get there or there are no doctors to staff it? Only the BC Greens are prepared to deal with the intertwined issues of an unsustainable growth economy, carbon pollution and peak oil becuase while we may not have all the answers we are the only party that adequately acknowledges these issues exist.
The Greens recognize that difficult choices must be made and that bold and strong leadership is going to be required if we are going to succeed in turning around the relentless path we are on. Fundamental to the changes we need to make is a shift to steady-state economics where ‘growth’ is not seen as the only benchmark of success. A steady-state economy will be more efficient, reduce waste and account for all aspects of well-being including: net environmental impacts, social progress indicators and financial measurements. This approach is called triple-bottomline accounting and will go a long way toward measuring our genuine progress and encouraging the industrial and consumer changes we need.

2. In the twenty one years I have lived in the North Island I have come to know the land and communities intimately. In hundreds of forays into the North Island backcountry I have learned not only exactly what we are blessed with here but also what is at stake when we talk about our environment and resources. These experiences have also been very important in my own personal growth. Hundreds, sometimes thousands of feet up a sheer mountain face decisions are made with a clarity and weight impossible to achieve elsewhere. Judgement, leadership and boldness practised in a personal quest to explore our natural world now lend themselves to speaking to political issues, where the urgency is comparable.
Where a politician must excel is in communication and I believe I have excellent verbal and written skills. I have worked as a publisher, communicating in print and on the internet for fifteen years, producing hundreds of articles, magazine editions, a collection of local guidebooks and dozens of web sites.
These professional and recreational ventures also demonstrate my ability to take on and succeed with large tasks from start to finish. I have little doubt as to the magnitude of work ahead for the first elected Green representatives in Canada and I am prepared for it.

3. A riding as geographically large as the North Island has challenges for representatives to keep in contact with constituents. There are traditional means such as submitting reports to local newspapers and regular town hall meetings. These seem under-utilized and I would hope to hold regular, say quarterly or bi-annual, meetings in each of the riding’s communities. In an expanded riding there is a greater role for electronic communication to play and I would like to explore a province-wide initiative to create an online forum for MLAs to correspond with constituents. That being said there is no substitute for in-person contact and staffed offices and community presence is important. Hopefully with an expanded STV riding represented by several MLAs partisanship will be set aside and the various MLAs will co-operate to ensure all constituents needs are met.

4. The BC Greens fully support BC-STV. We believe that proportional representation is vital to building an accountable government that represents the citizens’ interests and voting preferences accurately. BC-STV uses a ballot on which voters rank their choices simply as 1-2-3. The final tallies can produce results that include the votes of 80 to 90% of ballots. Currently a candidate can win under first past the post with 40% or less support. Clearly that is unfair and does not serve democracy or the needs of citizens. BC-STV is specially designed by fellow British Columbians for our province and I am convinced that it will bring a better tone and way of doing business to the BC Legislature. On May 12 I will be voting to choose BC-STV as our voting system.

Claire Trevena- NDP
1 The single most important issue for the people of North Island is to develop in a sustainable way. We need jobs, but government policies have been devastating, from centralizing government services to reducing our forest industry to being a supplier of raw logs for foreign markets. An NDP government will reverse such policies. We’ll make it possible for people who need a reliable supply of wood to get it and we’ll break up the present monopolies of the largest forest companies on Vancouver Island to let smaller companies in. We’ll do a much better job of looking after the environment, and we won’t permit exploitation of resources without stringent environmental safeguards and remediation. The government personnel required for this work will be returned to the communities. We’ll support a sustainable aquaculture industry that exists in harmony with the wild environment, and will provide help for it it to develop. We will encourage environmentally-sound public power generation.

2 The simple response to this question is that I am the best qualified because I am the most experienced. I am also best qualified because of my education and training. As a former journalist and diplomat, I know how to listen, and I know how to make sense of complex issues. I could cite many examples, but one most people would recognize is that of the Campbell River hospital. My constituents very early alerted me to what the Vancouver Island Health Authority plans for a regional hospital located in the Comox constituency would mean for North Island, and I’ve been involved in fighting those plans ever since. The result is that VIHA has slowly been forced to come around to our view. I will continue to lead that fight until we have a fully-functional Campbell River hospital in the works. And, of course, if we become government, we will have that hospital.

3 This is not theoretical with me; as an MLA I am in constant touch with the residents of North Island. Over the last four years I have convened or participated in literally dozens of public forums in the major centres of the riding and have visited and listened to the people of every community. I have an excellent staff which keeps me up-to-date on the issues and is always available for consultation. I do regular media broadcasts in Campbell River and regularly make myself available to the members of the press. I am easy to get hold of by telephone and email, and maintain a website and a Facebook page.

4 The NDP does not have a position on STV. If it passes, we’ll implement it. If it does not, we’ll work towards implementing our platform, which is in favour of Mixed Member Proportional Representation.