Efteen reached out to each of the four candidates in the Prince George-North Cariboo riding to ask the same list of questions. These are the answers provided by Denice Bardua who is running for the B.C. NDP.
The election will be held Saturday, Oct. 19. Polls will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be locations to vote on Election Day across the riding, including in Wells, Bouchie Lake, Nazko and Hixon.
People can vote in advance at:
- St. John the Divine Anglican Church (465 Kinchant Street) in Quesnel - Oct. 10 to Oct 13, Oct. 15 and Oct. 16.
- Miocene Community Centre in (3511 Horsefly Road) in 150 Mile - Oct. 15 and Oct. 16.
- Big Lake Community Hall (4056 Lakeview Road) Big Lake - Oct. 12 and Oct. 13.
- Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department (4253 Wildwood Road) in Williams Lake - Oct. 11 and Oct. 12.
People can also vote early at the District Electoral Office located in West Park Mall in Quesnel and at 510 Broadway Ave. North Williams Lake.
For more information on the election check elections.bc.ca.
Who you are, what party are you running for and why have you decided to run for MLA this election?
My name is Denice Bardua, and I’m running as the B.C. NDP candidate for Prince George - North Cariboo. I know people here face big challenges – and I want to be part of David Eby’s team, tackling these challenges head-on. I’ve lived in Quesnel for over 25 years. I’m ready to take action as part of the BC NDP team by building homes, hiring doctors and nurses, and putting money back in folks’ pockets.
What, in your view, is the biggest issue facing the PG-North Cariboo riding? How would you address it?
The cost of living comes up time and again on the doorsteps. Global inflation and high interest rates make it tough to get ahead. That’s why we’re taking action – cutting ICBC rates by $500 and then freezing them, more than doubling BC Family Benefit, cutting childcare costs in half, and eliminating MSP premiums. If elected, we’ll deliver an immediate $1000 tax cut for the average family because we know people need that help now, not in five years time like John Rustad thinks.
There is a Canada-wide shortage of health care workers. With this in mind, how do you propose to attract health care workers to come to this region, and then stay here, when they have their pick of jobs and locations?
Healthcare should always be there when you need it, and we need our emergency rooms open. That’s why we’re taking action to train and hire more doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers than ever before – with a special focus on rural communities experiencing shortages. We’re also ensuring that everyone who wants one is connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner by the end of next year. John Rustad’s cuts and his plans for American-style healthcare would mean firing doctors and nurses and would make things far worse.
Reconciliation with Indigenous communities has become a central focus of provincial and federal government in recent years. What would you do to help further this process as MLA?
Real reconciliation means working together and finding a path forward that works for everyone. By working together, we’re building strong partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, and a strong, sustainable, and brighter future for everyone. We have taken important steps towards reconciliation and we’re determined to continue this work, and continue to build trust, because we know it’s the path to a stronger BC.
Given the increasing climate-related disasters taking place around the world and in our region, what is your plan to address the climate crisis and what role does the climate tax play in that, if any?
We’re seeing firsthand the threat of climate change – the worst fire season on record, major floods, drought, and extreme weather events. It’s impacting people’s lives and costing our economy billions of dollars. We’re taking action to fight pollution with one of the most ambitious climate plans on the continent – and it’s working to reduce emissions. And, if Ottawa lifts its carbon tax requirement, we’ll remove the tax from regular people while making sure the big polluters pay their fair share.
How do you propose to ensure that provincial legislation listens to, and takes into account, the very different needs of rural B.C. rather than being a ‘one size fits all’ template designed with urban voters in mind?
People here are facing big challenges that aren’t the same as in the big urban centres. We’re taking action to strengthen services in rural areas, and to support good, sustainable jobs for people close to home. If elected, we will make decisions in a way that recognizes this, with every decision being assessed for its impact on rural and remote communities. Your voice will be heard no matter where in B.C. you live and work.
