Randy Thompson makes second run for B.C. Greens in Prince George-North Cariboo

Thompson supports protecting remaining old-growth forests while putting greater emphasis on selective harvesting and value-added forestry.

“There’s a lot of jobs that can be done by just being more careful in the forest,” he said.

Thompson argues forest management should take a broader view of the ecosystem rather than focusing solely on the timber that can be harvested. He believes leaving more organic material behind following logging can help rebuild forest soils and contribute to healthier future forests.

He acknowledges the Greens have faced challenges gaining support in northern and resource-based ridings. Thompson said the party is often criticized from both sides of the political spectrum, including accusations that voting Green could split the progressive vote.

He believes voters frustrated with the province’s larger political parties may be more willing to consider an alternative.

If elected, Thompson said one of his top priorities would be improving access to health care through regional wellness centres.

Thompson said his own family went years without a family doctor before recently getting access to a nurse practitioner. During that period, he said the emergency department became one of his few options for medical care.

He would like to see regional centres offering several services under one roof, including doctors, nurse practitioners, walk-in care and mental-health services such as psychiatry and psychology.

“Each riding should have a regional wellness center,” Thompson said. “When there’s people that are having a problem, they’ve got somewhere to go that offers a bunch of different services.”

For Thompson, the campaign ultimately comes down to convincing voters there is another option.

“There’s a better way of doing things,” he said. “We keep doing the same thing, and it’s just not getting us anywhere.”

by Greg Fry

Randy Thompson makes second run for B.C. Greens in Prince George-North Cariboo

What's Trending