Charlie Wyse is the New Democratic Party candidate for the Cariboo-Chilcotin.
He submitted the following information to the Tribune as his running platform.
The Cariboo Chilcotin is historically known for forestry, tourism, agriculture, and mining. Today these resources provide jobs for many families and a direct spin-off for other businesses that support resource-based communities.
Forestry
The present government has not managed the forest industry well in BC and in the Cariboo Chilcotin. They have not replanted enough trees to ensure a steady supply of wood. Indeed, it is only a year ago that BC’s forest-dependent communities learned the government had no accurate inventory of its local forests. The Liberal government sells six million cubic feet of raw logs annually to other countries rather than keeping the wood here for value-added production and local jobs.
An NDP government will invest in restoring the health of our forests. We will update forest inventories, double the number of seedlings planted each year, and increase the province’s forest research capacity.
Tourism
Our vast area of unspoiled scenery is a mecca for thousands of visitors each year. As the local tourism industry continues to promote outdoor recreation, eco-tourism, and First Nations culture, our region will attract even more people to the area. But our local tourist operations have been adversely affected by the government’s neglect of our forests and lands.
An NDP government is committed to working with the tourism sector and land users to promote tourism in a sustainable manner for the benefit of all land users.
Agriculture
Many of our ranchers and farmers have been similarly affected by this government’s mismanagement of our forests. In addition, the government has neglected agriculture for too long in this province.
An NDP government is committed to supporting our farmers, ranchers, beekeepers, and others who make their living, and contribute to our good healt,h by providing sustainably-grown food. An NDP government will support local agriculture by requiring public institutions to use locally-grown food.
Mining
We have two producing mines in the Cariboo. An NDP government understands the importance of mining for the province and its regions. Mining provides well-paying jobs and taxes that support social programs like health and education.
An NDP government is committed to supporting mining projects that meet the standards required to protect the environment and include respectful consultation with all affected communities.
Social Services
Forestry, tourism, agriculture, and mining provide an economic tax base that funds social services like health and education. Caring for the sick, educating our children, and providing support for our most vulnerable citizens is government’s responsibility.
Health
All British Columbians require health care. An NDP government will invest in home care for seniors, improve health services and facilities in our communities, and reduce the cost of your prescription drugs.
Education
Education is a life-long pursuit. An NDP government will ensure we have a strong public education system. Industry needs a skilled workforce. An NDP government is committed to providing much-needed education and skills training. An NDP government will provide one hundred million dollars a year in non-repayable grants for post-secondary students to acquire these skills.