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), Chris Moore (Conservative Party of BC) and Christopher Hergesheimer (Green 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?
Here is the response from Randene Neill (BC NDP):
Affordability is one of the most pressing issues affecting people across the province, and here on the Sunshine Coast. From the cost of monthly rent or buying a home, to the cost of groceries, people are feeling strapped.
There are several things the BC NDP will do, if re-elected.
We’re putting more money back in the pockets of British Columbians with a tax break that will mean $1,000 a year for families, and $500 for individuals - starting right away.
We’re investing $500 million to add tens of thousands more accessible and affordable child care spaces to help families get ahead.
We’re bringing down out-of-pocket costs for people here who need to travel for specialist health care services. We will expand the Travel Assistance Program (TAP BC) — which provides financial assistance if the specialist health care you need isn’t available in your community — to include mileage for your car. And we’ll cover your travel expenses before they’re due for payment, so you’re not paying out of pocket and waiting for a refund.
We will provide free menopause treatment with HRT to help protect women against heart disease and osteoporosis, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
This is on top of what we’ve already done, including getting rid of MSP premiums, reducing car insurance rates and stabilizing hydro rates.
There’s still a long way to go, but we are heading in the right direction.
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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