By CKPG News

Taylor Bachrach

Candidate Questions: Taylor Bachrach – Skeena-Bulkley Valley

Sep 10, 2021 | 8:26 AM

Why are you running for office?

I’m running because we have an opportunity to work together as a country to address the major challenges of our time, including the climate crisis, justice for Indigenous people and economic inequality. The Northwest deserves a strong voice — someone with energy and experience who shows up and works hard.

How does your party plan to address the issue of climate change?

We plan to address the climate crisis by setting targets consistent with the science, then driving down emissions through immediate investments in renewable energy, public transit, building retrofits and green infrastructure. We will end fossil fuel subsidies and create a Climate Emergency Cabinet Committee to ensure climate is prioritized across government. And we will invest in a just transition for workers affected by the move to a cleaner economy.

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

Among our many commitments, the NDP will invest in Indigenous housing in partnership Indigenous communities. We will also implement all 94 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action and the National Inquiry’s calls for Justice. And we will ensure the promise of the new legislation concerning indigenous rights is fulfilled.

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What’s your stance on the development of pipelines?

All industrial projects must be consistent with Canada’s international climate obligations, obtain appropriate Indigenous consent, and be shown to deliver benefits to local communities.

How high a priority is affordable child care for your party? What’s your party’s pitch?

The NDP has long believed in affordable childcare and has featured it prominently in our policy platform. We are committed to not only delivering $10 a day child care, but also ensuring we are training enough skilled early childhood educators and paying them appropriately.

What’s your party’s stance on vaccinations? Should they be mandatory?

I feel strongly that everyone should do their part and get vaccinated. We don’t support making vaccinations mandatory, but we do support rules that protect people in certain workplaces and other indoor spaces from being exposed to unvaccinated people who have a higher chance of carrying the virus.

What would you do to help seniors?

An NDP government would bring in universal pharmacare, protect pensions, enhance Old Age Security, and create a national seniors strategy that includes a dementia strategy and a seniors abuse prevention plan.

How would you address the opioid crisis?

We would start by declaring a national health emergency, ensuring a safe supply of medically regulated alternatives to toxic street drugs and supporting safe consumption facilities. The NDP will also invest in making treatment more accessible, stop criminalizing drug use, and work to reduce the stigma that stands in the way of getting people the help they need.

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

My family and I chose Smithers as our home because, like so many places in the Northwest, it’s a vibrant community full of great people and has easy access to the outdoors. My favourite place to spend time is on the river.

Who’s your favourite singer/band?

I grew up really loving Spirit of the West. I seem to be listening to a lot of John Prine and Corb Lund on the campaign trail.