1) What are your ideas for improving the local economy?
Our riding is a small-business riding. Family farms, ranches, dairy and poultry operations in the rural half are complemented by the myriad of products and services available in our urban communities. I would work to:
Establish a federally-funded Green Venture Capital Fund to support viable small local green business start-ups;
Utilize the same fund to provide matching federal funds for locally-raised venture capital for use in our communities;
2) Shuswap Lake is at the heart of life in this riding. How will you act to protect this resource?
To protect and restore freshwater ecosystems the federal government has to use its powers, including the Fisheries Act.
This is especially important when considering the changes in quality and quantity of Canada’s fresh water that will occur due to climate change. B.C. rivers will become over-heated, preventing salmon spawning; and farmers will face increasing drought.
Ultimately, the lake will need to be protected by the people who live here.
As MP I would work with local people and local organizations to insure the long-term viability of the lakes and streams in our riding. This makes sense; economically, socially and environmentally.