Ahead of the April 28 federal election, Efteen sent a list of questions to each of the candidates seeking the Member of Parliament seat in Cariboo-Prince George.
Each candidate was asked the same questions, there are seven candidates total in the riding. These are the answers received by Liberal candidate Clinton Emslie.
Advance polls for the election are open April 18 to April 21 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. People can register to vote, check their registration status and find more information about the electoral process at Elections.ca.
What qualities or experiences make you the best candidate for voters in Cariboo-Prince George to cast their ballot for?
With over two decades of experience in business operations, production, and manufacturing, alongside a decade in the corporate sector, I bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to the table. I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of individuals launch and grow their businesses through tailored coaching, strategic planning, and mentorship.
Holding two business degrees and honoured with a Community Leadership Award by the Prime Minister of Canada, I am deeply committed to community empowerment.
What, in your view, is the biggest issue facing voters in Cariboo-Prince George? How will you address it?
The attack on our timber industry. This sector is the backbone of our regional economy, and the ongoing trade war threatens not just businesses, but the livelihoods of thousands of families. My priority will be to fight for our forestry jobs, push for fair trade policies, and advocate for protections that keep our industry strong and competitive.
At the same time, our healthcare system is in crisis. We are facing a shortage of healthcare professionals, compounded by over regulation that makes it incredibly difficult to recruit and retain talent in our region. This directly impacts access to care and worsens our mental health and addiction crisis.
Does your party believe that human-caused climate change is real, and if so, what concrete plans does your party have to tackle it?
Climate change is real and we witness its effects more each year. Winters are shorter and warmer, snowfall is decreasing, river levels are dropping, and the snowcaps on the Rockies are melting earlier—resulting in reduced natural water flow throughout the summer. We've also seen a troubling rise in wildfires across northern B.C., a clear consequence of global warming.
While there’s no single solution to reverse the damage already done, the Liberal Party has laid out a plan to address the crisis and work toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our focus is on practical, incremental action that makes a difference. You can read more about the plan at: Liberal.ca/climate.
Given the riding's size and centralization of Prince George, how will you ensure all of your constituents are represented?
As a proud resident of Quesnel—right in the heart of the Cariboo—I’m centrally located within the riding, which allows me to stay connected and accessible to communities across the region. Given
To ensure all constituents are represented and supported, we will establish a primary constituency office in Prince George, the region’s largest population centre, as well as an office in Quesnel. This dual-office approach ensures residents across the riding have easier access to resources, representation, and support, regardless of where they live.
How is your party planning to deal with the trade threats coming from the U.S. administration, and/or the president’s talk of annexing Canada?
In response to the escalating trade tensions initiated by the U.S., the Canadian government has implemented several strategic measures to safeguard its economy and workforce. These include:
Eliminating the federal consumer carbon tax: The government has ceased the fuel charge and the associated Canada Carbon Rebate for individuals, with final rebate payments commencing on April 22.
Reducing middle-class taxes: Efforts have been made to alleviate the financial burden on middle-income Canadians through targeted tax reductions.
Investing in skilled trades: The administration is channelling resources into vocational training programs to bolster the skilled labour force.
Dismantling interprovincial trade barriers: Aiming to enhance domestic trade, the government plans to remove federal exceptions in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement by July 1, facilitating freer movement of goods and services across provinces.
