Prince George hospital worker launches City Council bid

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“I felt people needed a voice,” he said. “There seemed to be a small group of people making decisions, and I wanted to get involved.”

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Now settled in Prince George, Laarz believes local government is where residents can have the greatest impact on community issues. Working in the emergency department has given him firsthand insight into the challenges many individuals face with mental health, addiction and homelessness.

“I see people coming in every day struggling with their mental health and addictions,” he said. “I wanted to bring new ideas and be a voice for people who are directly working on the streets and for those who are struggling.”

Laarz’s campaign is built around the slogan “Safe, Caring, Growing,” with each pillar focusing on a different aspect of community development.

On public safety, he supports expanding outreach programs through partnerships with community organizations such as AWAC and the Prince George Native Friendship Centre. He believes connecting people with services is more effective than simply moving them from one area of the city to another.

His “caring” platform emphasizes fiscal responsibility, transparency and improved accessibility. Through conversations with residents while canvassing, Laarz said concerns about how tax dollars are spent were among the most common issues raised.

He also wants to improve transportation options and support services for seniors and people with mobility challenges, noting that accessible transportation can be difficult to arrange on short notice.

Economic growth forms the third part of his platform. Laarz said Prince George must capitalize on new opportunities while addressing the economic impacts of mill closures and job losses. He supports streamlining permitting processes, improving zoning readiness and accelerating approvals for housing and business projects.

“We need to rebuild our economy,” he said. “If we can make it easier for development to happen, we can create jobs and help Prince George continue to grow.”

Laarz said his goal is to bring practical, frontline experience and a fresh perspective to city council while helping build a safer, more compassionate and economically resilient Prince George.