National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wild salmon advocate and biologist Alexandra Morton knows running as the BC Green party candidate for North Island in the Oct. 24 election is going to be a tough row.
Continue reading Election 2020: Green candidate Alexandra MortonOne of the reasons that Alexandra Morton is running for the Green Party in this election is that “over the last twenty years, I’ve seen the politics and policies that are killing off the wild salmon of this coast are also destroying our communities.” However fish farms are overseen by the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, not the provincial legislature. So I asked Alexandra, what can an MLA do about fish farms?
Continue reading Election 2020: What can an MLA do about fish farms?A recent study found that about 3% of our forests are composed of the giant trees that most people think of as old growth, yet they are still being logged on Vancouver Island. At the same time, young second and third growth trees, with a high percentage of sapwood, are also being marketed. Yet forestry workers are losing jobs. What light can the candidates in this election shed upon the path towards a more sustainable forestry?
Continue reading Election 2020: Towards a more sustainable forestryA quarter of a million British Columbians pay more than 30% of their income for rent. The statistics are worse on Cortes Island, where it applies to almost half of the tenants, and improves the closer you get to Campbell River. In response to the COVID crisis, the NDP Government provided a rental supplement of between $300 and $500 a month, but that ended on August 31st. The Green party just announced they would earmark $500 million for rental relief, and prioritize funding people who pay more than 30% of their income – but it is extremely unlikely the Greens will form the next government. So what do the candidates in our riding have to say about the affordable rental crisis?
Continue reading Election 2020: the affordable rental crisis
