Tag Archives: BC Liberals

Election 2020: BC’s economic challenge

“ … The challenge is the economics that is going to come home fairly quickly.  We’ve had too many people off business; off work. The bills are building and we must address that,” said BC Liberal candidate Norm Facey, in the only interview he granted Cortes Currents.

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Election 2020: Should BC keep giving fossil fuel companies subsidies and tax cuts?

In the absence of major action to reduce emissions, global temperature is on track to rise by an average of 6 °C (10.8 °F), according to the latest estimates. Some scientists argue a “global disaster” is already unfolding at the poles of the planet; the Arctic, for example, may be ice-free at the end of the summer melt season within just a few years. Yet other experts are concerned about Earth passing one or more “tipping points” – abrupt, perhaps irreversible changes that tip our climate into a new state. But it may not be too late to avoid or limit some of the worst effects of climate change.” – NASA 

Many scientists believe we have seven years to avert the worst ravages of the impending Climate Crisis. Even if they are wrong, it is clear that British Columbia must transition to cleaner energy sources. Should the BC government continue to pay out close to $1 billion a year in fossil fuel subsidies and tax cuts?

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Election 2020: Towards a more sustainable forestry

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? 

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Election 2020: the BC Liberal candidate banks on his forestry expertise

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Norm Facey, the B.C. Liberal candidate for North Island, says he was born and raised in the province’s forestry industry.

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Election 2020: the affordable rental crisis

A 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? 

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