Homelessness is a tragic reminder of where we are as a society.
Our hearts go out to those living in squalid conditions here in the midst of such comfort and prosperity.
However, we need to distinguish between “homelessness” and “houselessness.”
It is not the lack of roofs and walls in the Bulkley Valley that has caused these hurting and lonely people to set up camps in the trees.
It is that they do not have a home, a loving, caring family unit where they can share the joys of family life.
Having a warm, safe place to sleep, eat and socialize is important but society cannot make people want the healthy environment that comes only through commitment and shared responsibilities.
In attempting to provide housing alternatives, we must not enable self-destructive behaviours.
Those who desire to improve their circumstances could be invited to help build a modest homeless shelter, earning wages and building their own future accommodations.
The opportunity for self-help might open a door for them but the new home would have to have “house rules”.
The aging boomer population means there will soon be a need for many more long-term care facilities in BC.
We need to start building those now so that we can provide quality care for the elderly in the communities where they have lived and raised their families.
Healthcare dollars should be spent helping sick people get well and stay well.
Taxpayers should not be forced to fund abortion and other elective procedures such as “gender reassignment” when essential medical services are being rationed.
The province must begin disclosing medical statistics, currently being withheld from citizens.
The plague of suicides and other mental health issues reflect the loss of purpose and meaning that many young people feel today.
All health care must be based on a respect for the life and dignity of each individual.
Compassionate care for each human being from conception through the natural aging process must be the goal of our healthcare system.
We say “No” to euthanasia and assisted suicide and “Yes” to good palliative care.
I oppose the Enbridge pipeline for three reasons: outstanding land claims treaty negotiations must be completed before Northwestern BC can objectively agree on any major resource or energy projects.
Pushing major development against the wishes of the people living in the region will only hinder the treaty process.
The export of raw bitumen from the oil sands to China represents the loss of potential jobs in Canada.
Refining and processing of our resources should take place in Canada, not overseas, where environmental and human rights practices are very poor.
Environmental concerns about the many proposed pipeline river-crossings and the potential harm of increased supertanker traffic to Kitimat cannot be lightly dismissed.
The weight of public opinion is that the risks outweigh the benefits.
The natural gas pipeline appears to have fewer problems associated with it and wider public acceptance.
Community consultation is critical.