Four candidates are campaigning to represent the Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding as MLA. General election day is October 19.
Randene Neill (BC NDP), Greg Reid (Independent), Christopher Hergesheimer (Green Party of BC) and Chris Moore (Conservative Party of BC) 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 (or in Reid's case, how would you work to address it as an MLA?
Here is the response from Greg Reid (Independent):
The spectre of dystopia looms over the political landscape for 2025. Trust in government has plummeted because of the blatant wounds that leadership has inflicted upon the public.
We watched Fairy Creek old-growth forest removed forever. BC health divided the population against itself, destroyed friendships and families, cut the heart out of small businesses and spread dread through our communities with their draconian measures, protocols and media releases beginning in 2020. Our social fabric is being torn apart as unaffordable basic needs escalate in price for increasing numbers of people with each passing day.
The rhetoric surrounding the election is doing nothing to unite us. It only serves to underscore the great failure of our government to provide the greatest good for the greatest number. Government doesn't even recognize that this is their primary task.
Recent BC housing projects have proven divisive, estranging many citizens. Concentration of individual and corporate wealth coupled with increased spending are steadily impoverishing the bulk of the population.
The people of BC have to prepare themselves for the ordeals yet to come. Here's how we start: Although the party system of government is 200 years old and failing, it can be revitalized. Magically, it will immediately begin to heal and function properly if we embrace direct democracy. That will check the power of bad government. And that's just the beginning.
Win this election for yourselves then begin to vote on all legislation indefinitely. Let's claim our political power. We're gonna need it.
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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