Candidate Questions: Taylor Bachrach

1. Why are you running for office?

I’m running for re-election because I love this region and the people who live here. The Northwest deserves a strong voice — someone with energy and experience who shows up and works hard. This is one of the most consequential elections in a long time because so much of what defines us as Canadians hangs in the balance — not just because of US threats but also the risk of Conservative cuts to programs and services people depend on.

2. How does your party plan to address the issue of U.S. tariffs?

The NDP has a plan that will ensure every dollar from counter tariffs go directly to the workers and communities impacted; strengthen EI to protect workers who lose their jobs; stop companies that took public money from gutting Canadian plants or shipping machinery and tools paid for by Canadians to the U.S.; and remove the GST from Canadian-made cars and trucks to support domestic manufacturing.

3. 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; implement a Red Dress Alert across the entire country; and close the $300 billion infrastructure deficit in 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.

4. What’s your stance on the development of pipelines?

All industrial projects must obtain appropriate Indigenous consent, deliver benefits to local communities, and be consistent with Canada’s international climate obligations. I’ll work with all our communities in the region to make sure all proposed projects meet these goals. On oil specifically, the people of the Northwest have been clear that they don’t want crude oil in our watersheds and on our coast. We came together to stop the Enbridge Northern Gateway project and won an oil tanker moratorium for the north coast. Conservatives want to undo these important protections and we aren’t going to let them.

5. How high a priority is affordable childcare for your party? What’s your party’s pitch?

Affordable childcare is a game changer for so many families. The NDP has worked for years to ensure families have access to affordable childcare, and I’m so proud my colleagues and I were finally able to achieve a $10-a-day national childcare program. Now, we have to ensure communities get more affordable child care spaces! Part of this requires improving wages and working conditions for early childhood educators.

6. In light of Canada/USA relations, does Canada need to diversify its economy? If yes, in what way?

The US has proven it is no longer the reliable trading partner it once was. Canada must both re-orient and diversify its international trade relationships and eliminate unnecessary inter-provincial trade barriers. There is also a need to incentivize value-added manufacturing and ensure raw Canadian resources are processed in a way that creates good jobs in communities in our region.

7. What would you do to help seniors?

The NDP worked hard to bring dental care and pharmacare to seniors across the country. The dental care plan is already saving many seniors thousands of dollars. We also pushed for national standards for long-term care delivery. An NDP government will create a national seniors strategy that includes a dementia strategy and a seniors abuse prevention plan; increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement; protect pensions; and take the profit out of long-term care.

8. How would you address the opioid crisis?

We would start by declaring a national public health emergency, ensuring a safe supply of medically regulated alternatives to toxic street drugs and supporting safe consumption facilities — all in accordance with the best available evidence. We’ll pass legislation to include community-based mental health, addictions, and substance use services in Canada’s public health care system. The NDP will also invest in treatment facilities in underserved communities so people can access treatment where they live. While there are aspects of the toxic drug crisis that require the criminal justice system, our focus will be on evidence-based public health strategies that save lives and respect the humanity of people who use substances.

9. 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.

10. Who’s your favourite singer/band?

Such a hard question! I’m a big John Prine fan. I’ve been listening to Dan Mangan, Emmylou Harris, and Del Barber in the car lately. Bob Dylan’s music has been a big part of my life. I’m mostly a folkie when it comes to music.