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Cariboo North: Duncan Barnett, NDP candidate platform

Duncan Barnett is the NDP candidate for Cariboo North. He submitted the following information to the Tribune as his running platform.
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Duncan Barnett

Duncan Barnett is the NDP candidate for Cariboo North.

He submitted the following information to the Tribune as his running platform.

After 12 years of BC Liberal government, people in the Cariboo are ready for a change. It’s time for a new government with better priorities.

People are our greatest resource. I believe that government needs to invest more in people to equip them with the tools they need to succeed and be creative, innovative and productive members of society.

We are concerned about our public education system. Under the current government, education in the Cariboo has suffered and classroom conditions have worsened. An NDP government would invest in hiring more teachers, teaching assistants, librarians and counsellors to ensure that our children get the education and attention they need.

The economic well-being of the Cariboo depends on providing our workers with the training and opportunities they need.  Unfortunately, BC Liberal neglect of post-secondary education and skills training are putting new job opportunities out of reach for many British Columbians and hurting industries that need skilled workers. This has led to people without jobs and jobs without people. That’s why our plan makes significant investments in skills training and student grants to increase the affordability and accessibility of post-secondary education so that British Columbians have the skills needed in today’s economy.

People tell me that they are concerned about good, family-supporting jobs here in the Cariboo. That’s why the foundation of the BC NDP platform is building a diversified economy that creates good jobs and a strong middle class. We need an economy that is running on all cylinders and that means strengthening all sectors, especially traditional industries like agriculture, forestry, mining, and tourism.

The creation of a strong and stable market for food growers and producers is a priority for a NDP government. We will bring back the successful Buy BC program and increase extension services to provide farmers and ranchers with more direct support for meeting regulations, espanding operations and marketing.

Recently, I joined Adrian Dix as we announced a $310 million investment over five years to support good jobs in our forest industry and to improve the health of our forests. After years of BC Liberal mismanagement, our forestry sector has shed thousands of jobs. Our plan will make significant investments in improving forest management and health, supporting communities suffering from timber shortages due to pine beetle and in identifying and expanding export markets.

Government can’t do everything. That’s why the NDP is proposing practical steps on a few priorities, including better home care for seniors, new investments in agriculture, and making life more affordable for families by reducing daycare costs. We will also take steps to restore faith in government by banning corporate and union donations to political parties.

As your voice in a new government, I will work hard to deliver results for people here in the Cariboo. Let’s elect a new government and a new MLA who will make a real difference in our communities. Let’s change BC – and the Cariboo – for the better.

To read the full details of the NDP plan please visit www.duncanbarnett.bcndp.ca.