Doug Donaldson began his campaign for re-election as MLA in the Stikine riding last Tuesday in Old Hazelton, where several locals attended to show Donaldson support.
Mayor Alice Maitland, doctors, teachers, council members and several youth were among those gathered.
Donaldson met all supporters with a warm welcome and discussed anything that came up,
from large to small issues.
He took the time to speak with The Interior News between conversations with Stikine constituents.
“It’s nice to be back on the campaign trail,” Donaldson said.
“It feels like people want change for the better in B.C.
“We can give them that if they come out and vote .”
Over the past year Donaldson has visited every corner of the Stikine riding to hear what the people have to say and he plans on delivering, if re-elected.
“People have told me they would like more say in what’s going on in their own backyard,” Donaldson said.
“A big part of that is ensuring that training for jobs in the north is available locally so northerners get the chance to work nearer to their homes.”
The pace and scale of economic development is a major concern to a majority of Stikine constituents, Donaldson added.
“Basically, they want to continue to enjoy the reasons they live here and still have work,” he said.
“The NDP has the citizen at its core, so we’re more inclined to listen to small communities.”
Changing the environmental assessment process, which was altered by B.C. Liberals in 2002, by consulting First Nations groups in every case will happen, Donaldson said.
The NDP is proposing a $100 million needs-based scholarship fund, which will be powered by a 2 to 3 per cent tax on financial institutions.
“Our platform is fully costed,” Donaldson said.
“The needs-based grants will go to those who do not have the financial means to go to a post-secondary institution.”