Candidate Questions: Kenneth Thomson

1. Why are you running for office?

I don’t believe that government policy is serving the public interest any longer. Good governance can only exist when the government’s primary focus is on public interest while not unnecessarily restricting private interest. When the government’s approach to public interest is from the perspective of private interest, public interest is compromised.

Another concern is that we have moved away from a true representative democracy. National parties do not usually represent the voters in smaller rural communities. Their focus is on the larger voting blocks. In smaller communities we should be electing independent candidates that only answer to the people living in their constituency.

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

Some of my suggestions are:

Stay calm. U.S. tariffs may collapse on their own.

Imposing export duties on products going to the U.S. which would be especially effective when placed on goods that the U.S. needs. We could then use the proceeds to strengthen the Canadian economy.

We develop alternative markets.

We should develop a stronger national economy by encouraging and facilitating the diversification of Canadian economy by broadening the range of products made in Canada.

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

By funding and maintaining infrastructure in Aboriginal communities while emphasizing selfreliance in developing and maintaining the community’s infrastructure.

Supporting development of reasonable housing which is a general need in Canada.

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

I am not against the development of pipelines. However, pipelines have to be subject to a rigorous approval process to ensure that there is a net benefit. Maximizing corporate profits or short-term job creation does not necessarily justify a pipeline’s development along a proposed corridor. Oftentimes there are alternatives that may not be as profitable for the developers but would have less of an impact on the environment.

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

Affordable childcare should be a high priority. Single or low-income mothers, and their children, are largely being disadvantaged by the lack of affordable childcare. Without affordable childcare, they cannot meaningfully participate in the labour market which not only impairs their ability to become self-sufficient later in life, it also negatively effects their children by limiting the family’s net income which contributes to child poverty.

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

Unquestionably.

We have experienced some benefits from globalization such as reduced costs of production but the costs have outweighed the benefits. An obvious example is what is occurring in the automobile industry where a country or corporation decides to relocate production for political reasons. There is also a compromising of sovereignty when there is a loss of economic self reliance which current events are providing adequate proof of.

Canada has a well-educated work force, a rich resource base, and a growing population. Government needs to refocus on public interest, not private interest. We can take the initiative and re-establish secondary and tertiary industries in Canada. Perhaps in the short-term we will be paying a little more while we re-diversify our economy but if real wages rise then we will all be better off.

7. What would you do to help seniors?

First and foremost, we need affordable housing and services for seniors. Although, housing and the provision of services is primarily a constitutional responsibility of the provinces, the federal government can participate in joint initiatives. Why not develop single and duo occupancy homes based upon post second world-war housing initiatives utilizing Canadian software lumber to create senior communities? Communities which provide relevant basic services which are reasonably accessible.

8. How would you address the opioid crisis?

There are those who have already succumbed to drug addiction and then there are those who could be the next generation of victims. We need two different solutions. Most importantly we have to prevent the problem from becoming larger. We need to remove the blanket of hopelessness that is smothering our youth. Those already on the street will require individual supports but those who are not already on the street can be helped en masse. We need to provide reasonable affordable housing, and reasonable and diverse career opportunities.

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

I live to the west of Quesnel where I am developing a greenhouse-based market garden. I grew up with a connection to farm life and it is never left me. I am very comfortable in rural settings although I also thrive in the courtroom and other public spaces. I also thrive in the gym/pool and while bike riding.

10. Who’s your favourite singer/band?

I don’t really have a favourite singer/band. I generally live in a quiet environment where I can hear the birds and the insects from early spring to late fall.

I am generally open to what is being played with the exception of rap. Some rap I find to be meaningful but a lot of rap I find to be needlessly vulgar and artless.