Candidate Questions: Clinton Emslie

1. Why are you running for office?

I care about this community deeply and have seen first-hand the challenges we are facing. I wanted to be part of the solution to build a stronger Cariboo-Prince George. As a resident of the Cariboo-Prince George Area, I am invested and also personally impacted by all the things holding our community back. They are as important to me as they are to you, and so I commit to fighting hard to work at finding the solutions our community needs to prosper.

2. How does your party plan to address the issue of U.S. tariffs?

Our response to the tariffs is to fight, to protect, to build. We will fight the U.S. tariffs with retaliatory trade actions of our own while protecting and supporting our workers and industries. We will build a more resilient economy from this crisis that is fundamentally less reliant on the US, diversify global trading partners, and eliminate internal trade barriers.

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

The path forward to a strong Canada relies on full partnership with Indigenous peoples. We will work closely with Indigenous communities and support the realization of their rights and priorities, including expanding their participation in the building of major projects.

4. What’s your stance on the development of pipelines?

We will invest in nation-building projects so Canada can be a world leader in both conventional and clean energy. This will expand Canadian products to new markets while supporting workers.

5. How high a priority is affordable childcare for your party? What’s your party’s pitch?

Affordable childcare is essential to Canadian families and I am proud that it is a Liberal government that implemented a national childcare plan. A Carney government will ensure these programs will be protected while a Conservative government will cut it.

6. In light of Canada/USA relations, does Canada need to diversify its economy? If yes, in what way?

We need to build a new economy that is fundamentally less reliant on the US. Trade diversification is critical. We will invest in trade and productivity enabling infrastructure like ports, railways, airports and highways, to ensure we have the foundations for Canadian products to move to markets.

7. What would you do to help seniors?

A Carney government will reduce the minimum amount that must be withdrawn from a Registered Retirement Income Fund by 25%, while also increasing GIS by 5% for a year – to support seniors through this economic uncertainty. Pierre Poilievre has historically opposed the CPP enhancement, was part of the government that raised the retirement age from 65 to 67, and voted against increasing OAS and GIS previously.

8. How would you address the opioid crisis?

We can invest in community safety to stem the flow of toxic drugs while also investing in mental health and addictions recovery. We can and will do both. With a spouse that works in mental health, I hear the stories daily, I see the people on our streets, and this is an important issue that needs attention, fast.

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

I reside in Quesnel, which is dead centre of our Cariboo-Prince George Riding. Having grown up in a rural community, spending time in Nature has always been high on my list of favorite things to do, along with spending valuable time with family and friends. I am a firm believer of support local, spend local – something I intend to focus on when I become your MP.

10. Who’s your favourite singer/band?

Gosh, there are so many too choose from! I enjoy a wide variety of music, but Muse is there on top. Queen, have been an age old favourite, along with some of the great rock bands. Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Led Zepplin, Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top. And then on the other hand, I also like Enya and Celtic serenades. Better stop now, I’m showing my age.