Vote for YOUR Canada!

By Doreen Marion Gee

What kind of Canada do you want? What kind of country do you want your children and grandchildren to inherit? On October 19, you possess an incredible power to determine the future of this beautiful country. Your vote counts! It could mean the difference between a better future or a worse one. Please exercise your civic duty and cast your ballot on Election Day.

Our coverage of the upcoming Federal Election on October 19 consisted of asking two questions of all of the four Victoria candidates: Firstly, What do you see as a priority issue for James Bay? And secondly, What role should the Federal Government play with regards to alleviating the homeless issue? Their responses below are comprehensive, illuminating and informative. We thank the candidates for taking the time to address our questions during the hectic schedules of their respective campaigns.

Murray Rankin, NDP:

1) What do you see as a priority issue for James Bay?

I'm hearing on the door step that making life more affordable for seniors and families is a priority issue in James Bay. Our plan to expand the CPP, increase the GIS and reverse eligibility age for OAS from 67 to 65 will help lift many of our seniors out of poverty. We will also create a national childcare program to help families, give kids a good head start, and help women who want to work outside of the home.

2) What role should the Federal Government play with regards to alleviating homelessness?

An NDP government will get back to working with provinces, municipalities and local organizations to build social housing in Canada again. We will sustain investments in Canada’s affordable housing agreements and provide incentives for the construction of 10,000 affordable and market housing rental units. We will renew co-op housing operating agreements that are set to expire and invest over $2 billion in coops and social housing by 2020.

Jo-Ann Roberts, The Green Party:

1) What do you see as a priority issue for James Bay?

I’m a resident of James Bay and I love the community, but there are certainly issues that could use some immediate attention. First, this area more than any other in Victoria, is impacted by the tourist trade. This is a vital economic generator for the region, but the traffic from the cruise ships congests our streets and is an irritant to many who live here. I understand that, particularly when the tour buses used are often loud and polluting. We can certainly do more to streamline the tourist trade from Ogden Point to downtown and back. We can upgrade our buses, improve local public transit to accommodate the increased tourist traffic, support the marine shuttle option, and promote the simple act of walking, as alternative ways for tourists to get to downtown. As your MP, I will work with the city on its priorities and push for increased federal funding for local transportation upgrades. As important, and very much related to this tourist trade, is the pollution and garbage generated by the cruise ships. Pressure and lobbying from The James Bay Residents Association has resulted in ships switching to low-sulphur fuel when they are in our waters but we need stronger federal regulations on air quality and the monitoring to ensure these levels are met. As your MP I will advocate strongly for these standards and a “polluter pay” approach to issues that arise from this industry that affect our environment.

Our harbour system could also use some upgrades. I was happy to hear of the recent funding agreement between the Province of BC and the Coho Car Ferry and Clipper Navigation, which hopefully means we’re starting down the path of upgrading the Belleville Ferry Terminal. At the same time, it is concerning that there is no definite process in place and no guarantee this upgrade would happen any time soon. These docks are on their last legs and quite simply need to be rebuilt. This terminal is the entry point for thousands of visitors to Victoria each year. It’s a project that needs a little bit of federal pressure to ensure it gets going quickly for the safety and economic well-being of Victoria, and I intend to use my voice to ensure it happens. As well, we need to start a discussion with the federal government about our aerodrome, the airport in the harbour. There has been some suggestion that the federal government wants to transfer the facility to a local authority. However, this would require significant federal funding if it is going to happen properly. I would work to bring the departments involved and the stakeholders here in the city together to create an effective “made in Victoria” solution to ensure safety and the continued service so many people rely on.

Finally, it is great to see the diversity in James Bay, young families, singles and students and seniors. But, affordability is a big issue for many who live in the area, as it is for the region more broadly. For some, owning property is a challenge, and many homeowners and renters find it difficult to make ends meet when living in this beautiful area. I know that many seniors here struggle to meet their needs, and I know that young people are trying their hardest just to get by. We can and should be doing more to address the affordability crisis. One thing that I will work towards implementing is a national affordable housing strategy, as well as push for a Guaranteed Liveable Income - policies that are needed and have been proven to work elsewhere. The Green Party has many other policies on affordable housing and changing our tax system to make it more fair for everyone, and I invite you to read about them at .

2) What role should the Federal Government play with regards to alleviating homelessness?

Homelessness has been on the rise in Canada since the 1990s when federal social housing programs, as well as income support programs, suffered huge cuts. When the people who need help are not cared for, it puts a strain on the whole system. When basic needs are not being met, addictions and mental health issues increase, and our police and health systems are being forced to address the issue. But it all starts with the simple fact that we, as a population, are not caring for our most vulnerable.

I believe that it is the right of every Canadian to have affordable, safe, and secure housing. It enhances people’s health, dignity, and life opportunities, and it is an essential prerequisite to an equitable society. As your MP, I will work hard with other parties to advance the Green Party’s policy to create a National Affordable Housing Plan that will in turn create a number of regulatory reforms aimed at ensuring affordable housing is no longer a factor in homelessness by 2019.

Some of these policies focus on updating our tax code, some on our building codes, and some of it will come through increased funding for areas like housing co-operatives, rent supplements, and the creation of a National Housing Program that would distribute funds to local community-based agencies across Canada. The Green Party has a detailed plan and set of policies that we will work to see enacted and that I believe will make a huge difference in reducing and eventually eliminating homelessness across the country. For a full review of our policies I invite you to read them at www.greenparty.ca/our-vision.

The federal government also needs to address mental health as part of our national health care strategy. The Green Party supports the call from the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations that the Mental Health Commission of Canada have its mandate extended for another 10 years and ensure a focus on the mental health of youth.

Cheryl Thomas, Liberal Party:

1) What do you see as a priority issue for James Bay?

With so many important issues facing the entire capital region, it’s difficult to choose.  I believe that James Bay struggles with wanting to support the positive economic impact that tourists have on our larger community while also having to deal with the challenges of many of those tourists arriving in James Bay. If they are coming by cruise ships, they are disembarking at Ogden Point with large number of tourists then trying to walk and/or bus their way into the downtown core through James Bay. If tourists come in via float plane, it's James Bay residents who deal with the noise of the seaplanes. If tourists come in via the Black Ball ferry or the Clipper, it's James Bay residents who have to cope with the traffic jams. It is a federal government's responsibility to work with Victoria, the province of BC and private companies to re-develop the Belleville terminal to alleviate congestion and provide an opportunity for pre-clearance for the Border Crossing, alleviating some of the congestion. 

2) What role should the Federal Government play with regards to alleviating homelessness?

We need to ensure there’s a partnership between all levels of government to address the homeless situation in Greater Victoria. The critical shortage of affordable housing throughout the capital region demonstrates how the Harper government’s policy of downloading responsibility to other levels of government, plus their focus on political expediency, reflect a lax commitment to higher income households. In contrast, a Liberal government will come to the table with a dedication to work together to develop long term solutions, with long term funding attached.  Solving this challenging situation won’t be a 'one time fix', but will require ongoing support from all levels of government working together. To effectively address our affordable housing shortage, we need expert planning and sustained funding to:

•   Shorten backlogs and waiting lists

•   Ensure new and existing low income and social housing are funded for both    construction AND for long term maintenance.

•   Provide a 100% GST rebate as an incentive for developers to build affordable rental units. 

•   As part of the Liberals Social Infrastructure program, the community will be able to target the funds where the greatest need is and for Victoria, that is affordable housing.

Some homeless folks are also dealing with addiction and/or mental health issues.  Therefore, there needs to be partnership and cooperation to develop services to help these folks deal with their issues AND to have a roof over their heads. But, the first step is housing.

John Rizzuti, Conservative Party:

Mr. Rizzuti did not provide answers to our two questions.