PRINCE GEORGE — The stage of Theatre Northwest was turned into the setting for the all-candidates forums Wednesday (October 14, 2020) night.
The event was closed to the public as CKPG-TV will air the complete forum starting Saturday, October 17th.
Split into two forums for the two Prince George ridings, Prince George-Valemount and Prince George-Mackenzie, the night served as an opportunity for each of the candidates to present their platform in which they’re campaigning on ahead of the October 24th Provincial Election.
Beginning with the Prince George-Valemount riding, Mackenzie Kerr (BC Green Party), Laura Parent (BC NDP), Sean Robson (BC Libertarian) and Shirley Bond (incumbent, BC Liberal) were all in attendance.
Still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic recovery of small businesses was a key question posed to the candidates.
“We need to take drastic action right now so then our businesses can survive through the winter,” said Green candidate Mackenzie Kerr.
The Green Party wants to cut the amount of time it takes for small businesses to apply for grants in order to get the economy flourishing again.
NDP’s Laura Parent says her party already has made steps in order to help small businesses, using restaurants as an example and their restrictions put forth on third-party delivery services on how much they charge restaurants to utilize their service.
Libertarian Sean Robson questioned where the money for the proposed programs of the other parties would come from, stating they would leave small businesses having to pay for it. Robson also stated that under a Libertarian government, the restrictions currently in place for COVID-19 would be lifted in order for businesses to rebound.
“They need help now,” said Bond, agreeing with Kerr on her statement.
“We’re not through the difficult times yet. I think it’s essential that what the voters need and want, is a strong voice. We need to make sure we have an experienced MLA with a proven track record,” said Bond.
“Voting for BC Libertarians is your best option for you if you want freedom. Everyone has talked about spending billions and billions of dollars, I think this is a wrong move. We want to get the government out of the way and you will be able to do what you do best.”
“At the end of the day, I’m here because you need stability and security.
“I’m here to do politics differently,” said Kerr in her closing remarks. “I’m fed up with the games we play. The status quo isn’t going to take us where we need to go anymore. We need an MLA to help us move forward.
The Prince George-Mackenzie riding then followed with Dee Kranz (Christian Heritage), Mike Morris (incumbent, BC Liberal), Catharine Kendall (BC Green Party) and Joan Atkinson (BC NDP) speaking in their respective forum. Libertarian Raymond Rodgers was not present for the forum.
Posed similar questions as the Prince George-Valemount riding, the candidates running for the Prince George-Mackenzie riding were too asked what their party plans on doing in order to assist businesses and the economy through the recovery process.
“The elimination of the PST for a year, and then a reduction to 3 per cent will allow for businesses to recover,” explained Liberal candidate Mike Morris on his party’s platform. “We’re also wanting to eliminate income tax on small businesses. We need to keep every British Columbian employed that we can.”
“Funding will be provided to our businesses that are struggling and falling by the wayside,” said Green’s Kandell. “We’ll also be pushing for a four-day workweek so we can spend more time with our family and in our beautiful environment.”
“The BC NDP recently announced funding for post-pandemic infrastructure to push our economy forward,” stated Atkinson. “It will help fill that gap where small businesses are now to where they want to be. I think we all appreciate the contributions that small businesses provide.”
“The World Health Organization flipflopped on their views on COVID-19,” said Kranz of the Christian Heritage, adding that she’s wanting restrictions to be lifted. “I’m not for the lockdown. There is no scientific reasoning. We need to keep this economy going.”
When asked about how the tourism industry can be assisted, Kranz later stated the restrictions currently in place are “absolutely ludicrous”. She further stated that people need to start using their brains and question what they’ve been told by the various forms of government.
Serving as a forum rather than a debate, the event was put on as a way for residents in either riding to hear what each candidate’s party is campaigning on, as well as how they would aim to represent their constituents in Victoria.
The forums will be airing on CKPG News October 17th and 18th, at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m., as well as on October 23rd in the afternoon. Times for that airing has yet to be determined. On October 17th, the forums will be streamed on CKPGToday.ca at 5:00 p.m. Once the stream is complete, the video will be available on CKPGToday.ca’s website throughout the day of the election on October 24th.
