DAWSON CREEK -- The election cycle has been a whirlwind for incumbent MLA Mike Bernier, who is facing perhaps the most difficult campaign in his nearly 20 year political career.
"Voting independent is actually voting for a strong independent voice to represent the region," said Bernier in an interview with CJDC-TV, “Everything I do and say will be for the Peace Region.”
As with any modern election, what candidates say is of top importance. Amid ongoing hospital diversions, Bernier stressing that South Peace residents should have the same access to health-care as those who live in urban centres.
"We need to ensure that if there's people that want to work in the health-care system, that we actually help advance them, make sure they get those credentials and certifications that can fill a lot of the gaps that we have locally," said Bernier, who adds that needs to include recognizing the credentials of foreign trained health care professionals currently living in Dawson Creek.
"We need to change the system where our northern people get first priority, and then if there's not enough, open it up to other people around British Columbia or Canada."
On crime, changes to the catch and release system is an issue Bernier wants investigated.
"We have to have stricter penalties-- I think people, once they've shown their true colours in the criminal activity, should be behind bars."
When it comes to what kids are being taught in the classroom, the MLA taking a direct approach on SOGI teaching materials following a wrath of online criticism.
"We have to ensure that whatever is in the classroom is not only age appropriate, but especially when we're talking about sexual education of any sort, that it should have parental consent," said Bernier.
Misinformation relating to a 2016 bill signed by Bernier, the education minister at the time, saw anti-bullying sexual orientation and gender identity policy enacted to create safe and inclusive classrooms for all students inline with the human rights code.
"If you feel that somebody deserves to be bullied, beat up, commit suicide in a school, because of who they are, then that's a challenge I think that we all need to be addressing."
Bernier encouraging residents to speak to their child’s school district and teachers to look into the facts and not take hold of online rhetoric.
“It is unfortunate that a lot of the misinformation that is being spread out there, I assume, for political gain,” said Bernier.
Addressing jobs another key issue for Bernier, supporting Conuma Resources in the permitting process to restart the Quintette Mine that will bring 450 jobs into the region once fully operational.
"The experience that I’ll bring to the table, knowing how to advocate for these projects will be hugely important if we want to see expansion in our region."
On solutions for the affordability crisis, hitting seniors in the region particularly hard, Bernier wants to see a balanced budget to increase tax breaks.
"I know there's areas that we can definitely support them in coming to reducing the taxes, making life more affordable, and making sure, more importantly, that they can live the quality of life that they deserve to live in our region."
Ahead of the October 19 election, Bernier, who assumed office in 2013, promising his experienced leadership will lead to results for Peace River South.
Leading up to the election, CJDC-TV will have on-going coverage of the candidates running for office in Northeast B.C.
