Candidate Questions: Todd Doherty

1. Why are you running for office?

I’ve been honoured to have the support of my community for the last 10 years of being your MP. Many of you have known me for years. You know I listen to you, I fight for you, and I deliver results. I’m running again because Cariboo—Prince George deserves strong, experienced representation that reflects the values of our region. There’s also still work to be done. Over the years, I’ve fought for lower taxes, safer communities, and a responsible government. But we need to go further to ensure Canadians get real relief from the many crises we face, and I’m committed to seeing that through.

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

A new Conservative government will not back down to President Trump. We will never be the 51st state. We will fight back with reciprocal tariffs if necessary — on goods that we can either make here at home or purchase elsewhere. Every dollar generated from reciprocal tariffs will be used to support Canadian workers and businesses. Furthermore, we will break down interprovincial trade barriers in Canada to get our goods to market here at home.

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

During my time as the MP for Cariboo—Prince George, I’ve been very clear that reconciliation is a priority for me. My wife and family are First Nations, as are many of my friends and neighbours. There’s a lot to say here, but primarily I think we need to pursue economic reconciliation. That means partnering with First Nations to develop our natural resources together, which will bring jobs and wealth to the community.

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

For years, Conservatives have been advocating for the building of new pipelines to strengthen our economy. Now, facing economic threats from the U.S., this has become more crucial than ever. We need to build more pipelines within Canada to reduce our dependence on the U.S. and export our oil to both domestic and foreign markets without going through the Americans. This will unlock Canada’s potential, create new jobs, reduce our dependence, and make us wealthier than ever before.

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

Affordability will be a top priority of a new Conservative government, and that includes affordable childcare. Our leader has been clear that under our government, Canadians will not lose their childcare. We will also make childcare more affordable by cutting income taxes to put more money in parents’ pockets.

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

Absolutely. As I alluded to in a previous answer, pipelines are part of the answer to that. We need to unlock and unleash our resource sector across the country, from oil and gas to mining to forestry to fisheries. We need to cut red tape, speed up permits, cut taxes, and finally give businesses and developers a reason to choose Canada. And lastly, we need to unlock our own potential here at home. Eliminating interprovincial trade barriers will unlock incredible potential and lessen our dependence on America.

7. What would you do to help seniors?

The Conservative Party has a plan to make life more affordable for seniors. First, we will keep the retirement age at 65, meaning seniors will be able to access OAS and CPP at 65. We will also allow seniors to earn up to $34,000 tax free, as well as allow seniors to keep their RRSP savings growing for an additional 2 years.

8. How would you address the opioid crisis?

I have been very clear on this issue for years; we need to prioritize treatment and recovery for our neighbours and loved ones struggling with addiction. A huge part of the solution needs to be investing in community-based treatment and recovery centres, as well as community-based mental health services. Very often, people with an addiction also have mental health challenges. The only way we’re going to heal someone’s addiction is by giving them treatment, not perpetuating their addiction with a free supply of drugs.

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

I live in Prince George. I’m most at peace on the rivers, lakes, and campgrounds of this amazing riding. I love cheering on our athletes at a Spruce Kings, Cougars, or Kodiaks game, or spending the summer attending our world class rodeos. We are truly blessed to live in Cariboo—Prince George.

10. Who’s your favourite singer/band?

I can’t just pick one. The Beatles, The Band, Oasis, Greta Van Fleet, Zac Brown, Chris Stapleton, Amy Winehouse, Kiss, Kygo, Rush. I love music of all kinds and my playlists are very eclectic.