Candidate Questions: Shirley Bond – Liberal Party

We believe that BC is well positioned to to lead and be re-established as a global climate leader. We are committed to expanding public transit options, supporting investments in renewable energy and a program to retrofit homes and businesses. We will encourage solar and wind power and I will continue to support the efforts to bring a geothermal project to Valemount.

How would you address the challenges facing some Aboriginal communities across our region?

We are committed to addressing the issues of economic and social inequity faced by many Indigenous peoples. We will work tirelessly to resolve the issue of rights and title. We will actively support the right of First Nations to negotiate economic benefits for their peoples. We will also provide sector-specific training opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

What’s your stance on the development of pipelines?

I have been a strong supporter of getting to yes on major projects in our province and region. It is not an issue of considering the economy or the environment, we must consider both. I have supported the Trans Mountain Pipeline project that runs through this riding. It is essential that these projects be done in an environmentally responsible way, create local benefits and include First Nations as meaningful partners.

How would your party address the recent spike in violent crime in Prince George?

Our communities need to be safe and inclusive places. We are not alone in facing these issues. We have a significant plan that will see an increase to the funding for public safety by $58 million, the hiring of 200 police officers, an additional 40 full time Crown prosecutors and provide the BC Prosecution Service with the support they need to reduce delays and aggressively crackdown on crime. We will also focus on dealing with gangs. We will work closely with communities, community organizations and the police to find solutions to this critical issue.

Has the provincial government done a good job handling the COVID-19 crisis? If not, how would you or your party manage it differently?

Dr. Henry has done an excellent job in providing advice to the provincial government. As a non-partisan public servant she provides recommendations about the management of the pandemic to whatever government is in power. We hired Dr. Henry during our time in government. We will create a Pandemic Response Committee that will include all parties and Dr. Henry to continue to deal with COVID 19 in a collaborative and effective way.

What would you do to help seniors?

We have committed $1 billion to support seniors in our province. Part of that investment will allow any senior in long-term care that wants a private room to have one. We will create a Seniors Home Care Tax Credit which provides seniors with a tax credit of up to $7000 to allow them to stay at home longer. We will launch a fully independent review of the response to COVID 19 in seniors’ long-term care and assisted living homes. We will work to find ways to allow families to safely visit seniors in care homes during the pandemic. We will cover the cost of exams that senior drivers are required to complete every two years, starting at age 80.

How would you address the opioid crisis?

We would implement a provincial prescription-drug monitoring program to prevent addiction with early referrals to special care and treatment options. We will increase addiction-treatment and recovery programs and ensure that those who need help getting off drugs have a clear pathway to treatment. We know that we need to treat the causes of addiction and prevent the harm.

Where in the riding do you live? Why? What are your favourite places to spend time in?

I live in Prince George, in Assman subdivision. I love our community and the beautiful riding of Prince George Valemount. I love visiting the Chun T’oh Whudujut/ Ancient Forest Provincial Park, the Cranberry Marsh in Valemount, Dunster and the world famous Ice Cream Social, Hixon Drive-In, Mount Robson Park and supporting the incredible small businesses in the riding including restaurants, bakeries, specialty shops and great coffee spots all throughout the riding.

Name the last Netflix show you binge-watched.

The last movie I watched on Netflix with my grandsons was called “Enola Holmes”. I admit that I love and have binge watched “This Is Us” “Suits” and “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman”.

by CKPG News

Candidate Questions: Shirley Bond – Liberal Party

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