As part of their Election Coverage, the Daily News is asking questions of the candidates and printing their replies in the Wednesday and Friday editions of the paper.
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The following was the "Pressing Question" for Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Does the North Coast or Northwest region need a detox and rehabilitation centre?
Gary Coons—New Democratic Party
Mental health and addiction services are vital to us on the North Coast. Gordon Campbell eliminated the Mental Health Advocate and cut staffing in the Mental Health Division by 70%! A detox and rehabilitation centre is a necessary component to addressing what we know is missing and I will work as hard as possible to make this happen.
The BC NDP will enhance community-based outreach services, will build supportive housing and will increase community mental health and addiction treatment programs. We will improve public accountability and coordination of mental health services by working with consumers, providers, families and communities .
Lisa Girbov -- Green Party
Unfortunately it seems like we do need a detox and rehabilitation centre, but having one wouldn't solve the underlying issues like poverty, alcoholism and homelessness.
We need to go to the root of the problem by reversing the trend towards the greater gap between rich and poor.
We need to build cost effective housing to ensure British Columbians can live in a safe and affordable homes.
We need to solve the problems, not simply find a place for the victims.
Herb Pond – Liberal Party of BC
The Northwest does need facilities and programs aimed at helping individuals and families who are struggling with addictions. Accessible detox and rehabilitation facilities are important parts of a regional strategy.
The "Community to Community Forum" involving leaders from Port Edward, Prince Rupert, Kitkatla, Metlakatla and Lax Kw' alaams declared a detox facility as one their highest priorities.
I was one of the leaders who took part in the forum and I will work within the government to win support for the goals of the "Community to Community Forum". I will work in Victoria with all who can help us succeed.
Showing posts with label Daily News election questions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily News election questions. Show all posts
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Daily News Pressing Questions May 1, 2009
As part of their Election Coverage, the Daily News is asking questions of the candidates and printing their replies in the Wednesday and Friday editions of the paper.
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The following was the "Pressing Question" for Friday, May 1, 2009
Education has long been an issue in Prince Rupert. Should the province enforce class size limits to improve educational outcomes?
Gary Coons -- New Democratic Party
Strong public education is a key to building strong communities. In the last 8 years we have seen 177 schools close, increasing class sizes and cuts o student support.
There are over 14,000 classrooms in violation of Gordon Campbell's own class size and composition laws.
The BC NDP will not abandon our most valuable resource and will meet existing class size and composition legal requirements, so our kids, especially students with special needs, have the necessary support to be successful. We will also provide flexibility in the per-pupil funding formula for rural areas.
Lisa Girbav – Green Party
Yes, I believe the province should enforce smaller class size limits. I think the current educational system is not working in the best interest of the children and they are the one's missing out.
The Green Party of Be would like to fund extra curricular activities that encourage healthy community spirit, creativity, and leadership skills. We want our children to experience the best possible learning environment.
Herb Pond – Liberal Party of BC
Everyone agrees - education is vital. Despite billions of dollars there are still many problems. Frankly, issues like class size don't top my concerns in education. Last week a community leader told me about high school completion rates of less than 10 percent for his people. Class size wasn’t top of his mind either.
Our communities are unlike those in the south. Our education model fails too many of our children. This is a problem that all community leaders must unite around to find solutions.
As MLA I will win support for the solutions we find.
.
The following was the "Pressing Question" for Friday, May 1, 2009
Education has long been an issue in Prince Rupert. Should the province enforce class size limits to improve educational outcomes?
Gary Coons -- New Democratic Party
Strong public education is a key to building strong communities. In the last 8 years we have seen 177 schools close, increasing class sizes and cuts o student support.
There are over 14,000 classrooms in violation of Gordon Campbell's own class size and composition laws.
The BC NDP will not abandon our most valuable resource and will meet existing class size and composition legal requirements, so our kids, especially students with special needs, have the necessary support to be successful. We will also provide flexibility in the per-pupil funding formula for rural areas.
Lisa Girbav – Green Party
Yes, I believe the province should enforce smaller class size limits. I think the current educational system is not working in the best interest of the children and they are the one's missing out.
The Green Party of Be would like to fund extra curricular activities that encourage healthy community spirit, creativity, and leadership skills. We want our children to experience the best possible learning environment.
Herb Pond – Liberal Party of BC
Everyone agrees - education is vital. Despite billions of dollars there are still many problems. Frankly, issues like class size don't top my concerns in education. Last week a community leader told me about high school completion rates of less than 10 percent for his people. Class size wasn’t top of his mind either.
Our communities are unlike those in the south. Our education model fails too many of our children. This is a problem that all community leaders must unite around to find solutions.
As MLA I will win support for the solutions we find.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Daily News Pressing Questions April 29, 2009
As part of their Election Coverage, the Daily News is asking questions of the candidates and printing their replies in the Wednesday and Friday editions of the paper.
.
The following was the "Pressing Question" for Wednesday, April 29, 2009
What kind of investment is necessary for the North Coast?
Gary Coons -- New Democratic Party
I believe that we must invest in our greatest resource ... the people of Be. I believe that a fair and just society is determined by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.
We need to restore Campbell's cuts to health care, education and to our social safety net.
We must realize that small businesses are the core to any community and that post -secondary opportunities must be accessible and affordable.
It's nice to bring in mega-projects but investing directly in our communities, sharing the wealth of our region and focusing on the services, resources and opportunities will reap benefits for all.
Lisa Girbav – Green Party
The most important investment we could make is pushing forward the construction of the sewage treatment plant in Prince Rupert.
Currently we dump our sewage straight into the harbour.
This contaminates the sea life in the harbour along with the beach and is simply an embarrassment.
Constructing the plant would provide local jobs as well as cleanup up our "pristine" coastline.
Herb Pond—Liberal Party of British Columbia
Prince Rupert is the transportation hub for the region. Investment in port and transportation infrastructure is vital. Investing in community forestry and seafood and connecting them to the hub will expand the benefits.
On the north coast land development costs are extremely high and hold us back. Policies that recognize this fact would assist in attracting private sector development in retail and industrial services.
Invest in an effective road and ferry system between Metlakatla, Lax Kw' alaams, the airport and Prince Rupert.
We must invest in our people. Today an educated trained workforce is crucial for success.
.
The following was the "Pressing Question" for Wednesday, April 29, 2009
What kind of investment is necessary for the North Coast?
Gary Coons -- New Democratic Party
I believe that we must invest in our greatest resource ... the people of Be. I believe that a fair and just society is determined by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.
We need to restore Campbell's cuts to health care, education and to our social safety net.
We must realize that small businesses are the core to any community and that post -secondary opportunities must be accessible and affordable.
It's nice to bring in mega-projects but investing directly in our communities, sharing the wealth of our region and focusing on the services, resources and opportunities will reap benefits for all.
Lisa Girbav – Green Party
The most important investment we could make is pushing forward the construction of the sewage treatment plant in Prince Rupert.
Currently we dump our sewage straight into the harbour.
This contaminates the sea life in the harbour along with the beach and is simply an embarrassment.
Constructing the plant would provide local jobs as well as cleanup up our "pristine" coastline.
Herb Pond—Liberal Party of British Columbia
Prince Rupert is the transportation hub for the region. Investment in port and transportation infrastructure is vital. Investing in community forestry and seafood and connecting them to the hub will expand the benefits.
On the north coast land development costs are extremely high and hold us back. Policies that recognize this fact would assist in attracting private sector development in retail and industrial services.
Invest in an effective road and ferry system between Metlakatla, Lax Kw' alaams, the airport and Prince Rupert.
We must invest in our people. Today an educated trained workforce is crucial for success.
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