This week's question: How do you think you can make a difference as an individual working within an established political party?
Tom Birch:
The BC Conservatives are a party of mavericks. We respect and encourage each MLA’s contribution.
We forge together how we will achieve the party vision so that it meets the local needs of our constituents.
My party amplifies my voice for the Shuswap rather than silencing it and they will help me to achieve what is in the best interest of this riding.
I cannot imagine a better party to back me up as I partner with the people of the Shuswap.
About Tom Birch (Conservative): A project manager for a forestry software company, Birch lives in Salmon Arm. He has worked for a number of companies in the forest industry, and also has worked in Africa for a non-profit. He graduated from Trinity Western with a degree in communications.
Chris George
I think that I can make a difference as an individual working within an established political party because I know that my ideas carry weight.
The Green Party adheres to the principle of using evidence-based policy making and the principle of participatory democracy. These principles guide how we develop policy within the party.
My ideas carry no more and no less weight than anyone else’s within the party, but if my ideas are based in the real world, using the best evidence from the scientific community, they will be heard and respected when it comes time to examine our platform.
About Chris George (Green): An entrepreneur, George has had a varied career managing restaurants and retail outlets. George also was a financial planner and technology consultant to small businesses. He is currently a student at Thompson Rivers University.
Steve Gunner
New Democrats are committed to inclusion.
Our leader has shown that he values the opinions of each elected member. This means that every person in caucus has a voice.
I understand that the role of MLA is to represent the views of Shuswap residents and to advocate for local communities within government.
This responsibility must always be the priority. This is the basis of democracy.
People are telling me that it is time for a change, and New Democrats will bring a new government with better ideas.
It is important that the Shuswap be part of that government.
About Steve Gunner (NDP): A farmer, Gunner is president of North Okanagan Poultry Processing Incorporated in Armstrong, which raises pasture-raised organically fed chicken and turkeys. He is also manager of the Armstrong Curling Club in the fall and winter.
Greg Kyllo
The Shuswap deserves an energetic and resourceful MLA who will strive for results. I am that candidate.
I will tackle the tough issues in caucus, ensuring the needs of the Shuswap are not overlooked in Victoria.
I will work diligently to introduce private members’ bills, keeping the welfare of the Shuswap at heart.
The BC Liberals are ready to resume the duties and responsibilities of providing sound governance for all British Columbians, and I look forward to the opportunity to represent the Shuswap.
About Greg Kyllo (Liberal): A Sicamous councillor, Kyllo is the president of Twin Anchors Marine Group, which operates luxury vacation houseboats, as well as TA Structures, a new venture in portable housing. He has lived in Sicamous for 35 years and studied at Okanagan College.