Four candidates are campaigning to represent the Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding as MLA. General election day is October 19.
Chris Moore (Conservative Party of BC), Christopher Hergesheimer (Green Party of BC), and Randene Neill (BC NDP) and Greg Reid (Independent) were asked the following question:
What do you believe is the most pressing issue for the province as a whole and how would you work to address it if your party forms government?
Here is the response from Chris Moore (Conservative Party):
Anything government provides must be paid from revenue raised from taxpayers. Government has no money of its own.
The judgment call is who is competent to manage the overall economy so that health care, education and general social services are sustained and improved? Sadly, BC finances have descended to a terrible state.
The NDP announced a complicated housing program. They promise the moon without consideration of how it will be paid for - a financial commitment of $1.29 billion per year, all borrowed money.
The average voter knows that all is not well when government spending has bloomed into the uncontrolled red zone.
The government admitted the provincial budget for 2023-2024 will likely run an $8.9 billion deficit. So, economic stability and future progress will be a fundamental issue before discussing any specific program or service.
The NDP are continuously borrowing just to pay the interest on the money they borrowed last year. Their mismanagement is unsustainable and the big red numbers go to the character of the government as being profligate and irresponsible.
BC Conservatives will change the economic culture so business will come back. Anti-business policies must be changed to get BC back to work. Forestry, mining and general construction are important sectors that are being significantly hurt by ineffective government policy.
Though internal economic discipline that ends foolish giveaways and waste will help, BC must grow its way back to economic reason and stability.
BC has a viable choice that offers a return to normalcy with no extremism or unfunded promises.
Powell River Chamber of Commerce is hosting an all-candidates meeting from 6 to 8 pm in Evergreen Theatre at Powell River Recreation Complex on Monday, October 7.
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