Why are you running for office?
I have 6 children and have a deep concern for their future.
How does your party plan to address the issue of climate change?
Climate Change is a top priority and positive and recovery- based action is woven into many sections of the Green Party Platform. Re-tooling the oil and gas sector, clawing back subsidies and placing these incentives into green and renewable energy is a major driver for the Green Party. We must recognize that to continue down the path of massive oil, gas, LNG development driven by foreign nationals is the fate of us all.
How would you address the challenges facing some Aboriginal communities across our region?
The Green Party would make sure safe drinking water is available in all communities, child and youth advocacy is available for families to make sure families are supported together as a unit to reduce child/youth apprehensions, support child welfare delegated agencies to offer their best services to families that builds cultural resilience, bring UNDRIP to the forefront and make sure all children in BC learn about the history of injustices to Aboriginal peoples across BC from K-12, bring leaders of all Aboriginal peoples together to address all challenges that exist for each community across this province on a case by case basis.
What’s your stance on the development of pipelines?
It is time to put pipeline projects to rest, recognize the Climate Emergency and hold on tight for what is to come. We must work together for a future of alternative, green, renewable energy sources that enhance our natural systems not destroy them.
How would your party address the recent spike in violent crime in Prince George?
My 2 years of work with the Solicitor General in Aboriginal Youth Gang Prevention pointed towards making sure prevention based programs for youth were put in place to help create better citizens out of the most vulnerable children and youth within our community of Prince George. We need to work further on this. Safe spaces, recreational, healthy food, safe mentors, activities that stimulate joy and exercise help young minds develop to be better citizens. The top down heavier handed approach does not work and will only create larger problems including bottle necks in our already stretched Criminal Justice system.
Has the provincial government done a good job handling the COVID-19 crisis? If not, how would you or your party manage it differently?
Yes, to date, all things considered, our government to date has done its best. Supports for small and medium business to recover from the impacts must be put in place and are a priority for the Green Party to establish.
What would you do to help seniors?
Support more government funded and not for profit facilities to establish a state of elder care that has less to do with make money business models and more to do with the best elder care possible models for our aging populations. Place elder care first over profit. Create more incentives for families to allow elders to age in place.
How would you address the opioid crisis?
Enhance mental health care across the province, provide incentives for the organizations across the province that are already invested in our highest need populations. The opiate crisis is affecting all sectors of our population. With the rise of mental health issues since COVID-19 within an already strapped mental health system we have a dire need to meet this mental health crisis now. Decriminalization of small possessions of drugs, increase mental health services at the street level and within businesses and non-profits. Recognize that one in three calls to the Crisis Service phone lines are not being met and find action-based solutions to meet the needs of those falling through the cracks and enhance needed mental heath services. This is a complex problem and requires immediate, short and long term established solutions.
Where in the riding do you live? Why? What are your favourite places to spend time in?
I live rurally east of Prince George. I love the lakes, mountains, old growth forests, wildlife and rugged backcountry. I stepped up to run in the Prince George-Mackenzie riding after running in the Prince George-Peace River-Rocky Mountain riding in the Federal election in 2019. My favourite place to spend time is at home with my family.
Name the last Netflix show you binge-watched.
I do not watch Netflix but if I did I might watch Hartland again. I am a horse enthusiast. I offer horse therapy in Prince George to vulnerable youth with my horses and it is fun to watch a Canadian based show filmed nearby in Alberta that highlights the same.
