Introduction:
As a homegrown candidate for the NDP I know, and am committed to represent, the issues and concerns of the people in this riding. My experience in the customer service sector, in business and entrepreneurial ventures, along with leadership roles which include being the current Vice President of Region II Metis Nation of Alberta and being on a number of community boards and committees will certainly serve to benefit me as a MP. I entered politics because of my deep desire to restore the democratic process where a representative of the people is elected to have our collective concerns voiced and heard in Ottawa instead of being emasculated to simply towing the party line and parroting talking points. We deserve better and I am running to restore that democratic process with a party committed to listen, the NDP.
Question #1
What would you do to address the problems such as labour shortages caused by the changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?
Yes, the Conservatives did mis-handled the Temporary Foreign Workers Program and a proper balance needs to be restored. Foreign workers need to be supported to continue filling jobs if and when our present workforce is failing to do so. A “one size fits all&” solution is wrong; regional differences and requirements need to be recognized and addressed. I will strongly represent small business on this issue. A more permanent solution is the NDP's $15 per day childcare program which will allow care giving parents to affordably re-enter the work force thereby supplying a much needed addition of skilled workers.
Question #2
What would be your party's direction to create increased economic and job stability?
It is the NDP's intent to add value to Alberta's oil by upgrading and refining it here thereby adding a substantial amount of jobs in the construction and operation of those plants instead of shipping those jobs to the USA or China as is the Conservative's plan. And unlike Mr Harper, the NDP recognizes the need for diversifying our economy and will also provide tax relieve to small business so that we can better withstand negative economic influences. Innovation, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and R&D are some examples of sectors that should be looked at and helped to grow in Alberta.
Question #3
What is your stance on Canada's role in the Syrian refugee crisis?
The NDP's position is that the refugee crisis should not be politicized and that all parties should work together to achieve what the vast majority of Canadians have clearly demonstrated that they want done; to help the refugees to the best of our abilities. The NDP have always maintained that proper screening measures must be maintained and Mr Harper's suggestions to the contrary is a perfect
example of the fear mongering and divisiveness that Canadians will no longer tolerate. Canada has always been an inclusive society and under the NDP that will be restored.
Question #4
What do you feel the federal government should be doing to support agriculture, especially in years of drought or other environmental disaster?
Under the Conservatives, 30,000 family farms have disappeared, farm debt has grown by 70 per cent, and agriculture's contribution to the GDP dropped 2.3% from 2014. The NDP plans to reverse this drastic deterioration include creating a payment protection program to deal with growing debts, resolve to tackle transportation issues on the prairies and vessel demurrage charges at Vancouver, and to work with farmers to fix the damage done from the sale of the CWB. And unlike Conservative MPs, I will not be dictating Mr Harper's views and policies to you, I will be representing your needs in Ottawa.